FC Barcelona have reportedly tabled an offer for Kashima Antlers forward Hiroki Abe, with the Liga club’s idea being to buy out his contract with the J1 League side and sign him for Barça B.
Abe, 20, was voted young player of the year in the J1 League last season and has made 48 appearances for Kashima after debuting in 2017.
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He earned his first senior cap at the Copa América on 17 June, coming on a substitute against Chile.
The decision as to whether to make the move to LaLiga now lies with the player, according to Japanese daily Asahi, with Kashima ready to accept a financial package worth around €1.5 million to cover the remainder of the forward’s contract with the J1 League club.
According to reports from Japan, Barcelona got the OK from Kashima a few days ago to push ahead with the move.
The player also had to agree to the switch, though, and to join up with Garcia Pimienta’s B team. However, he will be closely monitored by the first team and could be involved in the summer tour of Japan.
Abe is a player with a lot of potential, as he showed in the Copa America. He played three games in the group phase with Japan, starting the draw with Uruguay, his country’s best performance at the competition.
He played in an attacking position, similar to Take Kubo, the former Barça youngster who has now joined Real Madrid.