Nakamura set for Espanyol switch

Published on Monday 22 June 2009 11:54

Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is set to join Spanish club Espanyol after Yokohama F. Marinos failed to complete a deal for the former Celtic player, the J.League club have announced.

Marinos officials held a one-hour meeting with Nakamura's agent earlier today, during which they were informed of the player's decision.

"We have been told by his agent that Nakamura has decided to go to Espanyol," Marinos spokesman Masanori Hakamada told PA Sport.

"He said he Nakamura] was in two minds – Marinos or Espanyol – but decided to play in the Spanish League, where he has wanted to go for a long time."

Nakamura looked certain to return to his former club after his contract with Scottish club Celtic expired as the Japan international had talked frequently about moving back to his homeland.

According to Japanese newspaper reports, Marinos failed at the final stage of negotiations which led to Nakamura contacting Espanyol after having previously turned down an offer from the Catalan club, who finished 10th in the Primera Liga last term.

Nakamura, who turns 31 on Wednesday, also felt it would be beneficial for him to play in Spain with next summer's World Cup in mind.

"It is a pity that we couldn't sign him," said Marinos president Masaharu Saito.

"But we respect his decision and hope he will have a productive spell in the Spanish league."