Reports: Wolfsburg set sights on Japanese national team fullback
Having impressed in both an autumn friendly defeat of the German national team and the recent 2023 Asian continental championship, 23-year-old Japanese fullback Yukinari Sugawara has apparently become a top transfer target of Germany's green company team. Sky Germany and Germany's "Sport Bild" tabloid both report that VfL Wolfsburg are stepping up efforts to sign the AZ Alkmaar defender.
Wolfsburg are apparently among several clubs hoping to acquire Sugawara for around half his estimated market worth of €12 million. The 12-times-capped Samurai international's current contract with his Erdevisie side expires at the end of next season and the Dutch club are keen to cash in. Sugawara's arrival may herald Ridle Baku's departure. The northern Autostädter are thought to be eager to get Baku's salary off their books.