Official: Holstein Kiel sign former La Masia defender Niko Takahashi
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Holstein Kiel completed their next signing days after opening their 2. Bundesliga season with a 2-2 draw at Darmstadt. Tim Walter was furious after the final whistle after they squandered a two-goal lead, but he’s now delighted with the arrival of the young defender.
Spanish-born Japanese youth international Niko Takahashi has joined on an initial loan deal from Cerezo Osaka. Kiel will have an option to buy at the end of the season.
Takahashi trained at the famed La Masia after joining FC Barcelona at the age of 14. He also played for Dutch second-tier club Almere City FC before returning to the J League 1 side this summer.
After playing against Borussia Dortmund in the pre-season with Shinji Kagawa’s Cerezo Osaka, he now joins the German club on a deal that will potentially turn permanent. 19-year-old Leon Parduzi played as a left-back against Darmstadt.
