Southampton swoop for Japan international | OneFootball

Southampton have announced the signing of Japanese defender Yukinari Sugawara from Dutch side AZ.

The 24-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at St Mary’s ahead of their return to the Premier League.

A right-back by trade, he made history at Alkmaar by making the most appearances in European competition in club history with 53.

And he also revealed how a pre-season meeting with the Saints last summer made a mark on him.

“To come to Southampton and to play in the Premier League is one of my biggest dreams since I was young, so I am really excited to be here.” Sugawara stated.

“Last summer I played against Southampton in the pre-season. I felt Southampton played very good football with the ball; they didn’t play long balls, only short passing, they played smart.”

The defender has won 13 caps to date with the Blue Samurai.