It is understandable how Japanese supporters hoped for a better destination for one of the heroes of the past summer, however, I believe one should be cautious when judging a player’s decision, as there are many factors that might be involved in a transcontinental transfer. Here a few things one might want to consider…

1 – No better offer from abroad came. Yes, it is disappointing and one wonders how players such as Abe, Daisuke Matsui and Tulio Tanaka could have been ignored by Europeans clubs, but there are plenty of good footballer out there, many of them easier to reach than those in Japan. Thus, for Abe, this could have been the best available option, and he decided that for now, it will do.

2 – With Italian soccer on the twilight and Spanish soccer so far a taboo for Japanese players, England is the new Mecca. Junichi Inamoto and Hidetoshi Nakata failed at Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers, Abe now gets milder a shot in the second division. Daisuke Matsui and Keisuke Honda as well started more or less in the same way in Holland and France, and they ended up doing well in the top flight and enormously improving their individual careers.

3 – At the moment, Urawa Reds are not the happiest team to be with. The recent four-goal victories over lowly Kyoto Sanga and Bellmare Hiratsuka, are the only two in J1 since May 5th. Finke’s position as manager is shaky, the players seem a bit confused, no real talent is blooming and the fans are nervous. It might be a good moment to take off for Abe.

4 – At Leicester Abe will earn twice than what he’s getting at Reds. Would you refuse about an extra million dollars to do a very similar job to the one you’ve been doing so far?

5 – Finally, what I think is the most important factor: Yuki Abe will be 29 next month. He is a very serious footballer who has dedicated all his life to play the game in Japan. Why in the world should he turn down the option of going to play in another country and start a new life, that will go well beyond what will happen on the green rectangle at Leicester? In England he will experience a new lifestyle, learn a new language and make in any case an precious experience as a person.

The very worst case scenario for Abe will be a quick return to Japan next winter, where virtually any club in the country (beginning probably with Reds) would be ready to welcome him back. Really, why shouldn’t he move to the East Midlands and see what happens? 

Good luck, Yuki!
Cesare Polenghi 
gorunoura@japanesesoccer.net