Barcelona transfer news: Spanish giants sign Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers

The 20-year-old attacker, named the league’s best young player of 2018, is set to undergo a medical with the Spanish side and would join up with their ‘B’ side

Friday 12 July 2019 06:33 EDT
Comments
Transfer deadline day summer 2019: The deals done so far

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign emerging Japanese talent Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers, the J-League club said on Friday.

The 20-year-old attacker, named the league's best young player of 2018, was set to undergo a medical with the Spanish side and would join up with their 'B' side.

Financial details were not released but earlier reports said Barca would pay around 2 million euros for Abe, who made his senior international debut at the Copa America and appeared in all three of their matches.

“It was a difficult decision to leave (Kashima) mid-season, but I chose to make the move because I absolutely want to take on this new challenge at Barcelona,” Kyodo news agency quoted Abe as saying in a statement.

The club have already had a busy summer, signing Frenkie de Jong from Ajax, Neto from Valencia and Emerson from Atlético Mineiro for a combined 113 million euros.

The Spanish giants also signed signed England Under-16 striker Louie Barry on a three-year contract from West Bromwich Albion yesterday.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in