Japan Ace Daichi Kamada Seals Premier League Move with Crystal Palace
The Premier League has just gotten a whole lot more interesting with the news that Japan international Daichi Kamada has sealed a move to Crystal Palace on a two-year deal. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder made the switch after leaving Lazio on a free transfer at the end of last season.
Crystal Palace’s new signing Daichi Kamada
Palace announced the free transfer on Monday, confirming a move that was long rumoured since it became increasingly likely that Kamada would not be extending his stay with Lazio after just one season with the Serie A outfit.
In moving to Selhurst Park, Kamada will reunite with manager Oliver Glasner, whom he played under with Eintracht Frankfurt when the Bundesliga club won the Europa League back in the 2021-22 season. I must say, I’m excited to see how this reunion will play out on the pitch.
Having began his career in the J1 League with Sagan Tosu, Kamada got his big move to Europe when he signed for Frankfurt in 2017 but initially had to find his feet on loan at Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden. An impressive campaign that saw him score 16 goals in 36 games eventually earned him a chance to prove his worth in Germany, where he would go on to notch a commendable tally of 40 goals and 33 assists in 179 appearances for Frankfurt.
“I’m excited to be joining Crystal Palace, and to be working with Oliver – who is a coach I know well – again,” Kamada said on the club’s official website.
Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed delight at Kamada’s capture, stating: “Daichi is a truly exceptional talent.” He added, “He has been one of Europe’s best attacking midfielders in recent reasons and his experience, technical quality and commitment mark him out as an excellent addition to our already talented squad.”
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner
Palace are coming off a fine campaign that saw them finish in the top half of the Premier League for the first time since 2014-15. Nonetheless, with a host of star names – including Michael Olise – potentially on their way out, the South London outfit have wasted no time in bringing in reinforcements – with Kamada’s arrival following that of Morocco international Chadi Riad.
Kamada’s move to Palace takes Japan’s contingent in the Premier League to four as he joins Samurai Blue captain Wataru Endo of Liverpool, Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu and Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma while Daiki Hashioka is also on the books of Luton Town, although they suffered relegation last term.
Since winning his first senior cap in 2019, Kamada has established himself as one of Japan’s best players and featured at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. I’m excited to see how he’ll fare in the Premier League.
The Premier League just got more exciting
