Birmingham City has announced the signing of Japanese forward Koji Miyoshi from Belgian side Royal Antwerp. The 26-year-old, who has earned five international caps for Japan, will join the English second-tier side on a two-year deal starting from July 1.
Miyoshi played in the Tokyo Olympics last year, and he scored 10 goals in 92 appearances over four seasons with Antwerp. It all happened very fast, the club called me and I came here straight away. I’m so grateful and excited to be here, Miyoshi said on the club’s official website.
Miyoshi, who started his career at Kawasaki Frontale, missed most of the last season due to a left knee injury that required an ACL reconstruction. However, Birmingham will be hoping that the young star will return to full fitness to bolster their attacking options in the upcoming season.
Miyoshi’s signing is expected to bring some much-needed firepower to Birmingham, who finished in the bottom half of the championship last season. The club’s supporters will be hoping that he can replicate his scoring exploits from Antwerp and help the team improve their performance.
Birmingham’s signing of Miyoshi follows Mana Iwabuchi’s departure from Arsenal, as the contract for the Japan international forward had expired. The two transfers showcase the growing popularity of Japanese football in Europe and the increasing number of Japanese players plying their trade outside of Japan.
