Nahomi Kawasumi is reportedly headed to play in the NWSL. (Photo: Zimbio)
Multiple reports out of Japan state that midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi will make the move from Nadeshiko League champions INAC Kobe Leonessa to the National Women’s Soccer League. The NWSL club she would play for is not specified.
Kawasumi helped Japan win the 2011 World Cup title and the silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. The 28-year-old has played for INAC since 2008, helping the team turn into a perennial power. INAC are three-time defending league champions and four-time defending national cup champions. In 2013, they won the quadruple, winning the league, the national cup, league cup and the Mobcast Cup, an international invitational.
INAC general manager Yasunori Yamashita told the Japan Times that Kawasumi is “getting ready to move to the United States” on a loan deal. Japan’s Sanspo.com reported the same news.
Japan teammate and defender Aya Sameshima already made the jump to the Houston Dash for the 204 season, becoming the first Japanese signing in NWSL history. Last week, Sky Blue FC announced Takayoshi Ishihara as an assistant coach. He joins the team after time with INAC.
The report also states that defender Yukari Kinga will be joining Arsenal Ladies in England.
