Grasshoppers Technical Director reacts to Wolverhampton Wanderers signing of first ever Japanese player

Published: January 05, 2022

Grasshoppers Technical Director Seyi Olofinjana has reacted to Wolverhampton Wanderers capture of Japan international midfielder Hayao Kawabe from the Swiss Super League side.

Kawabe has become Wolves' first ever Japanese player after putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the English Premier League club.

He is expected to return on loan to complete the season at Grasshoppers after spending January in the Black Country.

Retired Nigeria international Olofinjana has close ties to Wolverhampton Wanderers as he was responsible for looking after their loan players before his appointment as Grasshoppers Technical Director.

Of the five British clubs he represented during his playing days, Olofinjana made the most appearances for Wolves, 147 in total and scored eighteen goals.

Reacting to Wolves' signing of Kawabe, Olofinjana said to Grasshoppers official webpage : "After his arrival from Japan, Kawabe adapted surprisingly quickly to Swiss football and integrated very well into the team.

"Under coach Contini he made significant progress and made an important contribution to the progress of the team.

"The fact that the Wolves are committed to have decided on him is further proof of the qualities of Kawabe.

"We are looking forward to welcoming him back to Zurich this month to prepare for the second half of the season."

Anglo-Nigerian defender Michael Agboola and Italian-born Nigerian defensive midfielder Temple Ojinnaka play for Wolverhampton Wanderers youth teams.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : wolves.co.uk

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