The Wellington Phoenix have signed a decorated midfielder from Japan to further bolster the men’s squad for the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League.
Kazuki Nagasawa is joining the Phoenix on a two-year deal from J2 League side Vegalta Sendai.
Nagasawa, 32, has played more than 300 professional matches, primarily in the J1 League, after launching his senior career in Germany, where he helped FC Köln secure promotion to the Bundesliga in 2014.
The one-cap Japanese international has won three major trophies over the past decade, winning the AFC Champions League in 2017 with Urawa Red Diamonds, with whom he also lifted the Emperor’s Cup in 2018, before winning the J League Cup with Nagoya Grampus in 2021.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano believes Nagasawa’s a great fit for the way he wants to evolve the team this season.
“I remembered Kazuki from his time at Urawa, where he was a very influential player,” Italiano said. “And when I heard he was interested in playing in the A-League I was keen to make a deal happen.
“Because he’s played as an out-and-out midfielder, as a left-sided midfielder, as a 10, and as a winger, I thought he’d be perfect for us.
“I want players that are able to play three or four different positions, because that’s what I’ll ask of them in games as we’ll constantly change shape.”
Nagasawa joins club captain Alex Rufer, Iraq international Mo Al-Taay, young All White Fin Conchie and two-time A-League champion Paulo Retre in the men’s midfield for the upcoming season.
“I’m very happy with the acquisitions of Nagasawa and Retre. I think they’re going to add a lot to the team.
“You need depth in a squad. It’s very, very important. I don’t think any team gets through the whole season with the bare XI.
“It also allows us to change things within the game as well. Whoever comes off the bench can add something and finish games for us.”
Kazuki Nagasawa is looking forward to moving to Wellington with his wife and seven-month-old daughter.
“I’m very honoured to be able to join the Wellington Phoenix,” Nagasawa said. “I’m also super excited about this new chapter in my career.
“It’s big for Japanese players to play overseas and since returning from Germany I was always thinking of trying again before I finished playing.
“It’s a good move for me and my family. My wife and I have talked about wanting to experience life together in another country.
“I am very honoured to have the opportunity to play in New Zealand.”
He’s driven to help take the Phoenix to a new level and assist the next generation of players coming through the club.
“The Wellington Phoenix have yet to win an A-League championship so firstly I want to win the title.
“I also have 10 years’ experience as a professional player and I’ve heard there are a lot of young players at the club so maybe I can share my experience and knowledge to the young players on the pitch.”
And Nagasawa believes he will suit the way Italiano wants to play.
“He talked to me about the formation and what he’s thinking for the upcoming season.
“My strengths are my passing quality, my ability to control the game as a midfielder and also hard work, which every coach needs!”
Kazuki Nagasawa is the 20th player confirmed in the Phoenix men’s squad seven weeks out from the start of the new Isuzu UTE A-League season.
It’s hoped he will join the squad in Wellington next week once he obtains a New Zealand work visa.
