Skip to main content
Southampton sign Japan defender Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar's Yukinari Sugawara during the UEFA Europa Conference League Group E match at Villa Park, Birmingham, November 9, 2023

SOUTHAMPTON have signed Japan defender Yukinari Sugawara on a four-year deal.

The 24-year-old right-back joins from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, where he played nearly 200 first-team games after joining from Japanese club Nagoya Grampus in 2018.

“To come to Southampton and to play in the Premier League is one of my biggest dreams since I was young, so I am really excited to be here,” the 13-times capped Sugawara told the Saints website.

Support the Morning Star
You can read five articles for free every month,
but please consider supporting us by becoming a subscriber.
More from this author
Music Review / 17 January 2023
17 January 2023
L-R Toyin Ayedun-Alase as Chatter and Nkhanise Phiri as Alic
Theatre Review / 12 December 2022
12 December 2022
Theatre Review / 8 September 2022
8 September 2022
While the subject matter is sobering and serious, this isn't your run-of-the-mill polemic, write INDIE PURCELL
Drawing: Catel Muller
Book Review / 21 August 2022
21 August 2022
An absolute must for those who love film and graphic novels, writes INDIANNA PURCELL