Feyenoord Close In on Tsuyoshi Watanabe As Defensive Reinforcements Step Up

Feyenoord is about to sign Tsuyoshi Watanabe, a Japanese defender from Gent, for €9 million. He is undergoing medical tests now. The 28-year-old will help strengthen the defense after recent challenges.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Feyenoord agreed on a €9 million deal with Belgian club Gent to bring Watanabe to Rotterdam. He played against Feyenoord in a friendly last weekend. Watanabe will sign a contract until 2029. Feyenoord needed defensive help because of Thomas Beelen’s injury and David Hancko’s transfer to Al-Nassr. Watanabe has played 98 games and scored six goals for Gent. He also has four caps for Japan.

WHY FEYENOORD NEED REINFORCEMENTS

Feyenoord finished third in the Eredivisie, 11 points behind PSV Eindhoven. With Hancko gone and injured center-backs, the team’s defense was weak during pre-season. Watanabe will strengthen the defense for the upcoming Eredivisie and Champions League seasons. Feyenoord also signed winger Gonçalo Borges from Porto for €9 million plus €2 million in add-ons and is looking for more defenders. Rav van den Berg from Middlesbrough is a possible target as the competition for starting places grows.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CLUB AND PLAYER

Watanabe will join Feyenoord once medical tests and paperwork are done. The team’s next game is a crucial Eredivisie opener against NEC, in the middle of their Champions League playoff against Fenerbahce from Turkey. It’s a big early test as Feyenoord tries to catch up with PSV. NEC finished 8th place last season but improved their squad for the new season. With Watanabe’s experience, Feyenoord wants to integrate him quickly and compete for the title and a strong European campaign.