Premier League club Aston Villa have agreed to a partnership with Japan’s Vissel Kobe, which will see them share resources to improve youth development.
“The partnership will look to further open up pathways for talented Japanese players to play in Europe and, ultimately, at Aston Villa,” Villa said.
“This synergy between the clubs will also extend to the first team level, with the exchange of technical knowledge and coaching methodology together with collaboration in the areas of performance, scouting and recruitment, data analysis and overall squad management.”
Furthermore, Villa disclosed that two players from Kobe’s Under-16 team will participate in training sessions with their academy this month.
In addition, Villa’s academy squad is set to compete in an international tournament to be held in Japan in 2024.
Villa currently holds the fifth position in the Premier League standings and is scheduled to face West Ham United next on Sunday.
Kobe, leading the Japanese standings, is gearing up for a match against the Kashima Antlers on Saturday.