Palmeiras are signing 18-year-old attacking midfielder Daiju Sasaki, currently at Vissel Kobe. For the Japanese club – who sport no other than Andrés Iniesta among their ranks – Sasaki has in 2018 played ten games (three as a starter) and scored twice. About to turn 19 in September, the promising kid also has a spot in the Japanese U21 team. Arriving in São Paulo later this week, he will sign a one-year loan deal, which includes Palmeiras acquiring 30% of the player’s economic rights.
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Sasaki has attracted interest from European clubs like Werder Bremen, but his move to Palmeiras is considered strategic, both for player and club. Should Sasaki make a splash in South America, the increased exposition could, in due time, land him an even better deal in Europe. As for Palmeiras, the arrangement is an entry into the Asian market, while also establishing working relations with millionaire billionaire Hiroshi Mikitani – founder and CEO of Japan’s largest e-commerce business “Rakuten”, owner of Vissel Kobe and a sponsor of FC Barcelona and basketball team Golden State Warriors.
Sasaki is initially expected to join Palmeiras’ youth division. Hopefully, his transition to the first team occurs naturally.
Welcome and best of luck, Daiju!
ANYTHING PALMEIRAS 