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Cagliari signs Yukinari Sugawara from Southampton on loan
Cagliari Calcio has officially signed Japanese international defender Yukinari Sugawara from Southampton on a loan deal. The transfer includes an option to buy estimated to be between €5 million and €5.5 million.
Sugawara, a 26-year-old right-back, arrived in Sardinia to undergo medical examinations at Villa Stuart. The versatile defender, who recently represented Japan in the 2026 World Cup, has extensive European experience playing for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands and Werder Bremen in Germany.
This move marks Sugawara’s first experience in Serie A and makes him the first Japanese player in Cagliari’s history. The signing is intended to strengthen Cagliari’s defensive options on the right flank following the departure of Gabriele Zappa.
Entities
Cagliari · Cagliari Calcio · Japan National Team · Sassuolo · Southampton · Southampton FC · Werder Bremen · Yukinari Sugawara
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sugawara made 31 league appearances for Werder Bremen last season.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sugawara recorded 1 goal and 1 assist in 30 Premier League appearances.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sugawara appeared in four matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sassuolo has also expressed interest in acquiring the player.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sugawara is scheduled to undergo a medical examination in Rome on September 1.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fabrizio Romano reported the option value as 5.5 million euros.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The purchase option is set at 5 million euros.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Cagliari is nearing a deal to sign Yukinari Sugawara from Southampton on a loan with a purchase option.