[Nippon Professional League Big Reveal] Transfer Window Urgently Wraps Up, Focused Reinforcements Inventory!

July was a month of fire, and looking back at the attraction bonanza of J-League teams after the reopening of the international transfer window, the transfer window came to a close on September 2nd in the blink of an eye. However, many JFL clubs are still trying to strengthen their lineups before the deadline. Today, we will take a look at the transfer highlights of each team in these two months.

Mariners, Three Arrows, Antlers: the road to the title, each in their own way

The battle for the top spot in the Nippon Professional League is fierce, with Kawasaki Frontale regaining the top spot in the midweek bye, but Yokohama Marinos, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Kashima Antlers are right behind them. Despite the tension in the title race, the transfer strategies of the four teams are different.

Kawasaki Striker, who are temporarily in first place, have been defending their title in two months with a steady attitude, not bringing in new recruits, but instead loaning out two substitutes, Takahide Tsukagawa and Hideto Tanabe, to FC Tokyo and Chiba Ichihara respectively. Coach Tatsuya Onigi is full of confidence in the current lineup.

The Yokohama Mariners have kept a relatively low profile in the transfer market, with midfielder Azunosuke Kiriyama sent on loan to J.B. side Yamagata Yamagami, and Brazilian flanker Nematos joining from Barclays Premier League side Pomeranians. Nematos had played for Portuguese side Morillens before joining the club, and has a lot of experience in the game, but has yet to make an appearance for the Yokohama Mariners since joining the club.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima, under the leadership of Skippy, has had a transformed season. To compete for the title, the team brought in Cypriot goalscorer Sudilio in mid-August. Sudilio, who had made a name for himself with Bulgarian powerhouse Ludogardus before joining the team, scored quickly against Sakura Osaka last week, and Sanfrecce seems to have acquired a good player.

Kashima Antlers, in a relatively passive position in the title race, have made major personnel changes this summer. Top scorer Ezekiel Ueda went out to Europe, and coach Werner was fired and replaced by club star Iwamasa Daiki. Midfielder Zuan Ailanu was sold to Osaka Flyers, and Nigerian center forward Erikki joined the team from Belgian team Biszczot VA, the team is trying to make a breakthrough in the attacking end.

Mid-table teams: each with their own mindset, ready to go

The mid-tier teams have different transfer strategies this summer. Kashiwa Reysol and Cerezo Osaka have no major reinforcements, while Urawa Red Diamonds have made no other moves after bringing in Flying Yanno flanker Bai Lai Ren Lianchenshen, and coach Rodriguez seems to be satisfied with his squad.

FC Tokyo has made a lot of changes this summer, with two veterans, Kenzo Nagai and Yojiro Takahagi, being sent away, and Brazilian center forward Bono Uvini being released from his contract. As for the new players, Takahide Tsukawa joined the club from Kawasaki Striker, while Brazilian midfielder Rex Felipe arrived on loan from Sporting. The 28-year-old scorer played for Greece's Kirit for half a season before joining the team, scoring 8 goals, and is expected to fit in well with the team.

Nagoya Whale made a big adjustment to their lineup this summer, veterans such as Gaku Saito, Hiroyuki Abe, and Yumeshi Kanazaki were sent away, but the new recruits are not young players, and players such as Ryota Nagi and Kenyu Nagai are over 30 years old, making the mystery of the team's lineup adjustments puzzling.

Shimizu Heartbeat's performance is gradually picking up after a coaching change. Players such as Qian Guishi and Koya Kitagawa are back in the team, while Brazilian center forward Resferipo, who played for Greek team Kirit for half a season and scored 8 goals, is expected to energize the team.

Downside teams: step up the firepower to stay in the top spot

The relegation situation in the Nippon Professional League is also confusing, with Fukuoka Hornets and Iwata Yamaha separated by only 6 points. In order to maintain their relegation status, the lower-ranked teams are focusing on strengthening their offense this summer to get to the top of the table as soon as possible.

Flyers of Osaka have brought in Manchester City wing Ritaro Hosono and Kashima Antlers wing Zuan Elanu, supported by Lee Anders Penrina and Andersen Bertrand. The team has won 2 and lost 2 of their last 4 matches, while scoring 5 goals, so the effect of the reinforcements is remarkable.

Hokkaido Gonzaga Sapporo's firepower has been greatly reduced after the absence of Guenatier, in order to strengthen the attack, the signing of South Korean center forward Kim Ken-hee. Kyoto Immortals signed Brazilian foreigner Alencarrios and striker Pronupoa, which is expected to improve the team's attacking power.

Kobe Victory signed Montenegrin center forward Stefan Mugosa and young midfielder Maffe Ocona this summer, and also brought in former Japan national team midfielder Yuki Kobayashi to improve the team's offense and defense.

Judging from the above, many teams are actively attracting reinforcements this summer in an effort to improve their performance. Both the championship and relegation situation of the Japanese League is very confusing, and the league table is bound to see a big change after the reinforcement activities. Fans, please pay close attention to the remaining matches!

This week's JLF live streaming schedule:

September 2, 6:30 p.m. Hokkaido Sapporo Gonzaga vs. Osaka Sakura Cable TV 601/661

September 3, 6:00 PM FC Tokyo vs. Yokohama Marinos Cable TV 601/661

September 3, 6:00 PM Xiangnan Bima vs Kawasaki Frontier Cable TV 602/662

This week's Sunday B live streaming schedule:

September 4, 5:00 p.m. Tochigi SC vs Gunma Kusatsu Onsen Cable TV 601/661

September 4, 6:00 p.m. Kumamoto Royals vs. Omiya Squirrels Cable 602/662