Hannover 96 have announced that they have signed Japanese defender Sei Muroya, whilst they have also cancelled the contract of former captain Marvin Bakalorz.
In addition, they have confirmed that goalkeeper Marlon Sündermann has signed a new professional contract, and will continue to play for the under-23s as well as train with the first team.
The signing of Muroya was unconventionally announced at 3am German time, presumably to capture the interest of the Japanese market. The right-back has played for FC Tokyo for five years, and will make his final appearance for them on Saturday before moving to Germany.
The 26-year-old has 10 caps for Japan and will team up with international teammate Genki Haraguchi at the HDI-Arena. He has been given a three-year contract with Hannover.
Sporting director Gerhard Zuber describes him as “a technically adept, fast, two-footed full-back who hits good crosses.” Zuber added that he “has a great mentality and is extremely strong,” whilst he can play on either the right of left side of defence – vital with no other full-backs currently on the club’s books.
The decision to let go of Bakalorz does not come as a surprise as he was one of the number of senior players that the club were willing to move on. They have cancelled a contract that he had signed last summer and still had two years left to run.
“I had four incredibly eventful years in Hanover, experienced good and bad times,” he said, picking out the promotion in 2017 as a highlight. However, after discussions with Zuber and coach Kenan Kocak, it was clear “the club wants to change things,” and he thanks them for their “honesty.”
He follows Ron-Robert Zieler, who joined Köln yesterday on loan, out of the door, with Edgar Prib, Felipe and Josip Elez likely to follow. According to B*ld, the club have paid him off with a ‘high six-digit’ sum. He has been linked with a move to Turkey.
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