Wolfsburg sign young Japanese striker Kento Shiogai

Japan youth international striker Kento Shiogai has signed for Wolfsburg from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen.

Shiogai has signed a contract through to summer 2030 and will wear the No.7 shirt for Wolfsburg.

After breaking through at Yokohama F. Marinos in Japanese football and moving to Nijmegen in the Netherlands in summer 2024, the 20-year-old has scored nine goals in 14 appearances in the current Eredivisie season. 

Wolfsburg sporting director Pirmin Schwegler said: "Kento is a young and talented player with a great deal of potential. On the pitch, he stands out for his pace, intensity and strong pressing, and he possesses qualities that fit Wolfsburg perfectly."

The forward, who has scored eight goals for Japan's U18, U19 and U23 teams, added: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be in Wolfsburg now. Moving to the Bundesliga is a big step for me, and I’m so excited about the challenge here."

Shiogai could make his Bundesliga debut in 12th-placed Wolfsburg's trip to Mainz on Matchday 19 on Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 3.30pm CET). He is set to become the third Japanese national to play for the Wolves after 2008/09 Bundesliga winner Makoto Hasebe and Yoshito Ōkubo.

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