EVERTON are set to form a “strategic partnership” with Japanese club Vissel Kobe, according to David Ornstein.
The Athletic journalist reported (19 October) that a delegation from the J-League club is set to visit B6 by the end of October, which will see two of Kobe’s under-16s train with the Villa Academy.
The partnership’s aim is to develop the club’s youth development system and open pathways for Japanese players to play for Aston Villa.
Villa could truly benefit from an influx of talented overseas players, with Kobe joining the growing V Sports group, who also own Villa. The group, comprised of Portuguese side Vitoria S.C., Egyptian Premier League ZED FC and Villa, could prove to be a benefit to all clubs involved.
The market in Japan can prove very valuable. Ange Postecoglou used his experience in the J-League to bring their starts to European football to great success, including Kyogo Furuhashi who joined the Hoops from Kobe.
Villa will be keen to get in on some of this action. Buying players from such leagues could be just pennies for a Premier League club like Villa, but if they have the potential to thrive in a stronger league, the sell-on value could be immense.
Japan are a nation who have emerged as a top footballing nation. The growing strength and quality of the J-League is apparent, but the surge of quality in their national team is reflective of the country’s strides to develop the sport.
The so-called “synergy” between the clubs could prove significant. Per the club’s statement, the pair are eager to share more than just footballers, but coaching philosophy and technical knowledge, suggesting a harmonious relationship.
This could also have a huge impact on Villa’s growing academy, but time will tell just how successful the project becomes.
In other Aston Villa news, a financial expert claims a Villa chief can prove himself as £100million news emerges from the club.
