One of the strangest transfers in recent years was that of Takuma Asano.
The Japanese forward joined Arsenal from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the summer of 2016, but was not eligible for a work permit so joined VfB Stuttgart on loan.
He spent one season there, and the loan deal was extended in last season after they were promoted into the Bundesliga, thus giving him top flight experience.
However, in terms of his development, it has been something of a struggle. The 23 year old made just 15 appearances in the top division, scoring only one goal, far from the kind of form that might win him a place in the Arsenal squad next season.
The move was confirmed by Hannover president, Martin Kind, who said, “We will loan him for one season. The sporting management have given a positive assessment of him.”
For more on Takuma Asano – check out Jeorge Bird’s piece from yesterday, and thanks to @lgambrose for the translation.
another wenger gamble, but from memory , he was relatively cheap. real life isnt like fifa or football manager , and there is always an element of gambling when signing a player from another club , let alone another continent. Good luck Takuma!
i hear he’s the next gilles sunu
Next Ryo Miyaichi
Ryodinio
To be fair, miyaichi was a real raw prospect and he was even younger. The arsenal. Injury gods was there too sadly…
Forgot all about him.
In 10 years when Asano takes over from Arteta in a radical catalyst for change move by new CEO Ivan Gazidis Jr, we’ll be back on rhyming terms.
just sell the poor bloke to the highest bidder, and be done with
This looks like one of those marketing deals.. in line with park, miyachi and others..
Here we go again. Just because they are eastasian ffs?! They cant kick a ball therefore Marketing stunt. Park proofed himself in ligue1and miyachi, who was a very good prospect, never had a full fit season. I agree in terms that asano wont make it in the pl but pls stop this dumb comparisons. Is Aubameyang the better adebayor? Because you know Gabun is basically Togo and they all kick the ball the same way down there…
Son has been excellent for Spurs.
Okazaki was also great for Leicester.
We gambled on Park and Takuma to less success.
It is as it is a gamble.
Kagawa was rubbish at United and he was already established.
He’s been good everywhere else though
Are Hannover in the bundesliga? I shouldn’t have to google this.
Let’s not forget the OG Inamoto! But yes we haven’t been very lucky with our SE Asian recruits…
Ain’t no passing craaaazzze!