The J. League's new 10-year, ¥210 billion broadcasting deal may not have led to any big-name overseas signings just yet, but there has been plenty of action on the domestic transfer front as clubs retool for the coming season.
Cash-rich Chinese clubs continue to make global headlines for their lavish spending, but it is perhaps more in keeping with the J. League's habits that the biggest moves over the offseason so far have involved seasoned veterans. Former Japan playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura has left Yokohama F. Marinos for Jubilo Iwata on a two-year deal at the age of 38, while 34-year-old striker Yoshito Okubo has joined FC Tokyo from Kawasaki Frontale.
Nakamura joined Jubilo after his relationship with boyhood team Marinos soured over the direction the club is taking under the influence of stakeholder City Football Group. Nakamura complained that his off-field responsibilities as Marinos captain were proving to be a distraction, and Jubilo manager Hiroshi Nanami offered him a sanctuary where he could fully focus on playing.
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