MARSEILLE old-timer SAKAI heading back to home country

Playing for Olympique de Marseille since 2016/17, Japanese international right-back Hiroki Sakai (31) is allegedly getting more and more likely to part ways with Ligue 1 prominent side, and, according to latest French news, join back his home country, notably Urawa Red Diamonds realms. Still on a deal with Ohème until June 2022, Sakai is meant to be handed out on a 1.5 million euros transfer fee. Playing in European football since summer 2012, Sakai was previously linked to either a first-time move to England or a return into the German scene.

Meanwhile, Marseille top brass are getting more and more adamant to buy his natural replacement, Pol Lirola, back from Fiorentina.

PLAYER DATA (from Transfermarkt.de)

Name in home country: 酒井 宏樹

Date of birth: Apr 12, 1990

Place of birth: Kashiwa, Chiba  

Age: 31

Height: 1,83 m

Citizenship: Japan

Position:Defender - Right-Back

Foot: right

Player agent: Sarcle Co. Ltd.

Current club: Olympique Marseille

Joined: Jul 1, 2016

Contract expires: Jun 30, 2022

Date of last contract extension: Aug 29, 2019

Current market value: €4.50m

Highest market value: €8.00m (Jul 2018)

Clubs he used to play for: Hannover 96, Kashiwa Reysol, Mogi Mirim (Brazil)

Youth clubs: Kashiwa Mighty FC (1999-2002), Kashiwa Reysol (01/2003-12/2008)