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| Japan international Daichi Kamada has sealed a move to Premier League outfit Crystal Palace on a two-year deal after leaving Lazio on a free transfer at the end of last season. Kenta Harada/Getty Images |
Japan international Daichi Kamada has secured a move to the Premier League after signing a two-year deal with Crystal Palace, subject to international clearance.
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, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder 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.
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.
"I am looking forward to testing myself in the Premier League, and hopefully the club and I can achieve all of our objectives together."
Palace charirman Steve Parish expressed delight at Kamada's capture, stating: "Daichi is a truly exceptional talent.
"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.
"I am delighted that Daichi has chosen to join Crystal Palace from the many options he had and work once more with Oliver. I am certain Palace fans will relish watching him in the weeks, months and years to come at Selhurst Park."
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 wining 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.
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