Former Japanese national team midfielder Koki Yamaguchi has made headlines with his recent transfer from J1 champions Vissel Kobe to V-Varen Nagasaki, announced on December 23. The 34-year-old veteran joins the J2 side as part of their significant efforts to strive for promotion to the top tier of Japanese football.
Koki Yamaguchi's illustrious career has been marked by pivotal moments, especially during his time at Vissel Kobe, where he served as captain and played a central role. Over the last season, he made 27 appearances and scored three goals, contributing significantly to the team's success as they clinched both the J1 title and the Emperor's Cup.
Yamaguchi has built quite the reputation throughout his 16-year professional career, having played more than 400 matches in the J.League, primarily with Cerezo Osaka and Vissel Kobe. His international experience is equally impressive, as he represented Japan at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.
Upon joining V-Varen Nagasaki, Yamaguchi expressed his determination to dedicate all his energy toward helping the club achieve promotion back to J1. "I will do everything I can for J1 promotion. Let’s unite and make sure we achieve our goal together!" he stated enthusiastically.
This move to Nagasaki takes Yamaguchi back to J2 for the first time since 2016, making it a significant transition not just for him, but for the club as well. His arrival is seen as part of V-Varen's ambitions to reinforce their squad with experienced players capable of steering the team through the rigors of the season.
The transfer is notable not just because of Yamaguchi's credentials but also because it marks the rare occurrence of a high-profile player moving from J1 to J2. This shift showcases the competitive nature of Japanese football, where even top players are eager to take part in the challenge of elevting clubs from lower divisions to the top tier.
Yamaguchi’s previous season was not without challenges; he faced injuries and undergone surgery for knee issues, which limited his appearances. Nevertheless, he was instrumental during his recovery, eventually helping lead the team to its recent J1 successes.
Reflecting on his six years at Vissel Kobe, Yamaguchi expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating, "I am thankful for the warmth and support over the last six years at this club, and I sincerely wish for Vissel Kobe to achieve three consecutive league titles and success in the ACL. I will carry these experiences with me to Nagasaki."
With the backdrop of Yamaguchi’s departure, his former teammates, including Gotoku Sakai, Yuya Osako, and Yoshinori Muto, will feel the absence of his leadership and experience. They have been important allies on the pitch and share many memories of their joint pursuits for glory.
Notably, Yamaguchi updated his fans on Instagram, expressing how the presence of his teammates had always pushed him to perform at his best. He commented, "You three have always inspired me. Your commitment and training attitude motivated me to keep pushing myself, and the time I spent at Kobe is invaluable. It has shaped who I am as a player today."
He continued, "Even if the categories differ, I want to continue showing I can still perform at high levels, and I look forward to growing alongside all of you. Thank you for the great times, and I hope to continue following your success to fuel my growth!"
Fans can look forward to seeing how Yamaguchi's wealth of experience will bolster V-Varen Nagasaki's chances as they aim for promotion, and they will undoubtedly be excited to see him back on the field, giving his all once again for his new team.
