Masaya Okugawa makes return to Japan
Transfer agreed with Kyoto Sanga
First Team
23.01.2025, 11:45
Masaya Okugawa, who joined FC Augsburg on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld in the summer of 2023 before being loaned out to Hamburger SV for the latter half of the 2023/24 campaign, will return to play football in his home country of Japan. The 28-year-old attacker is set to move to Japanese top-flight club Kyoto Sanga with immediate effect. The two clubs have agreed that the details of the transfer remain undisclosed.
Due to multiple injuries, Okugawa only managed a total of two Bundesliga appearances with FC Augsburg. The 28-year-old had featured eight times (one goal, two assists) for FCA’s U23 side in the fourth division this season.
“Unfortunately, Masaya received numerous injury setbacks which prevented him from realising his full potential at FCA. He recently approached us with the desire to return to Japan after ten years in Europe in order to rediscover his form. As a result, we did not stand in the way of him making this transfer and we wish him all the best for his sporting and personal future and hope he remains injury-free back in his home country,” said FCA sporting director Marinko Jurendic.
“Although my time at FC Augsburg hasn’t gone as I had hoped in sporting terms, I am very grateful to all the fans who have supported me through thick and thin. I will now make a fresh start in Japan and, even though we are now going our separate ways, I wish FC Augsburg all the best with all my heart,” said Masaya Okugawa.
