Daichi Kamada’s Decision: From Lazio to Crystal Palace
In a surprising turn of events, Japanese professional footballer Daichi Kamada has opted to leave Lazio and join Crystal Palace as a free agent. This decision comes despite an initial agreement between Kamada and Lazio for a three-year contract renewal. The shift in Kamada’s destination can largely be attributed to his strong relationship with coach Oliver Glasner, who played a pivotal role in convincing the Japanese midfielder to make the move to Crystal Palace.
Kamada’s Journey and Achievements
Born on August 5, 1996, Daichi Kamada has made a name for himself as a versatile attacking midfielder or forward. His journey in professional football has seen him achieve significant milestones. Kamada’s career began at Sagan Tosu, but it was his transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2017 for €1.6M that marked the beginning of his European journey. Following a loan spell at St. Truiden, Kamada returned to Frankfurt, where he enjoyed considerable success.
Kamada’s trophy cabinet includes:
- DFB Pokal win in the 2017/2018 season
- UEFA Europa League victory in the 2021/2022 season
- Runner-up in the Kirin Cup in 2022
His impressive performances earned him a move to Lazio on August 4, 2023, where he continued to demonstrate his skills in the Serie A, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Champions League.
Kamada’s Lazio Stint
During his time at Lazio, Kamada made 29 appearances in the Serie A for the 2023-2024 season, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in 1545 minutes of play. He also featured in the Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League, showcasing his versatility and work rate. Despite not being a prolific scorer, Kamada’s ability to win duels and his success rate in dribbles highlighted his importance to the team.
The Influence of Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner, born in 1974, is a well-regarded Austrian football manager known for his tactical acumen and ability to build strong relationships with his players. Glasner’s influence on Kamada cannot be understated. Having previously worked together at Eintracht Frankfurt, where they enjoyed European success, the bond between the coach and player was instrumental in Kamada’s decision to join Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace’s New Acquisition
Crystal Palace has been active in the transfer market, and Kamada’s arrival is set to bolster their midfield options. The London-based club, managed by a blend of experienced and young talents, sees Kamada as a valuable addition to their squad. The Eagles have made significant moves, including the acquisition of players like Dean Henderson from Manchester United and Matheus França from Flamengo. Kamada’s experience in European competitions and his technical skills are expected to complement the existing squad.
Future Prospects
Kamada’s move to Crystal Palace marks a new chapter in his career. The Premier League presents a fresh challenge for the Japanese international, who will be keen to make an impact in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. His reunion with Glasner suggests that he will be given a pivotal role in the team, potentially playing a key part in Crystal Palace’s ambitions for the coming seasons.
As Kamada transitions from Lazio to Crystal Palace, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how this move unfolds. With his proven track record and the backing of a familiar coach, Kamada’s journey in the Premier League promises to be an exciting one.
