It seems like losing the race on La Masia graduate Kubo to Real Madrid has encouraged Barcelona to scout some more in the J1 League.
This Friday, July 12, Barcelona have secured the transfer of highly talented Hiroki Abe, 20-year-old Kashima Antlers star. The sides have already reached an agreement over this transfer, as stated via the Japanese club's official media.
Various media reports indicate that Barcelona had to pay an undisclosed transfer fee for Hiroki as he had to terminate his Kashima contract earlier. The personal agreement and the medical are the only two things pending.
Hiroki Abe confirms his Barcelona move, as quoted by Goal: “I have spent two-and-a-half years since graduating from high school at Kashima Antlers, and I was able to grow as a human being and as a professional soccer player. The fact that I was able to fight for my own pride makes it a difficult decision to leave the team this season, but I (have) decided to make a new move to Barcelona."
The Japanese gem is set to join the Barcelona B side who are playing in the third division of the Spanish football. Goal believe he could earn first-team promotion if managed to impress.
Originally a left midfielder, Hiroki Abe is also able to play on the opposite flank. He has also been used as a second striker, as per Transfermarkt.
The youngster played 48 games in the J League and scored four goals. In 2018, he was named the Best Young Player of the Year. Moreover, a couple of weeks ago he made his international debut in the Copa America against Chile.
This season, Hiroki Abe has made 14 league appearances for Kashima and scored once, as per Transfermarkt:
