Nakamura prepares for Madrid move
Sunday, January 27, 2002
Article summary
Real Madrid CF have reportedly clinched a deal to sign Japan midfield player Shunsuke Nakamura.
Article body
Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos claim to have reached an agreement with Real Madrid CF to the transfer of Japan midfield player Shunsuke Nakamura. The 23-year old will move to the Spanish champions after the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals for a fee in the region of €3.25m.
'Made a promise'
Katsunori Nakamura, head of general affairs at Yokohama, said: "We can't put it in writing at this stage, but our club and Real Madrid have made a promise on Nakamura's move after the World Cup. Real have given the nod to our request on the transfer fee." Nakamura's agent said the deal is expected to be finalised next month after the contract duration and financial details are worked out.
Dead-ball specialist
Capped 17 times with three goals, Nakamura has struggled to secure a regular place on the national side. His last appearance was in the 5-0 defeat by France in a friendly international in Paris last March. Nakamura is known as a dead-ball specialist and is striving for a spot on the left side of Japan's midfield but is up against the likes of Shinji Ono of Feyenoord.
'I'll do my best'
Nakamura said: "I'm going to stay with Yokohama until after the World Cup, I'll do my best in all seven league games [before the World Cup] trying to get a place in Japan's World Cup squad."
