In a recent announcement, Azul Claro Numazu revealed the signing of former Vegalta Sendai forward, Saito Manabu, who departed the Sendai squad at the conclusion of the previous season. The 33-year-old striker, hailing from Kanagawa Prefecture, will don the number 19 jersey for his new club.
Saito’s football journey has seen him rise from Yokohama FM youth ranks in 2009, progressing to the first team. Over the years, he showcased his skills at clubs like Ehime FC, Kawasaki Frontale, and Nagoya Grampus. In 2022, he ventured beyond Japan, donning the colors of South Korean side Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Australia’s Newcastle United Jets, before returning to Japan with Vegalta Sendai in 2023.
During the previous season, Saito featured in 12 J2 League matches. Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Numazu, he conveyed through the club, “I will fight alongside everyone to achieve J2 promotion for this energetically charged team. I aim to show the fans that having me around was a good thing by the end of the season. I still have room to grow, and I will continue to demonstrate better football.”
Here are the key details from the club’s official profile of FW Saito Manabu:
- Name: Saito Manabu
- Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture
- Date of Birth: April 4, 1990 (33 years old)
- Height/Weight: 169cm/66kg
- Career Path: Yokohama FM Youth – Yokohama FM – Ehime FC – Yokohama FM – Kawasaki Frontale – Nagoya Grampus – Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) – Newcastle United Jets (Australia) – Sendai
Numazu’s acquisition of Saito adds experience and versatility to their attacking lineup. As they strive for J2 promotion, the club and fans eagerly anticipate the impact of Saito’s dynamic playing style. The seasoned striker’s return to Japanese football marks a new chapter in his career, and his commitment to growth aligns with Numazu’s aspirations for success in the upcoming season.
