One-year deal sparks Sébastien Haller’s Japanese adventure

Sébastien Haller has sealed a one‑year contract – with an option for a second season – as he departs FC Utrecht for Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima, marking the 32‑year‑old striker’s first foray into the J1 League. He will join the club ahead of the upcoming season, hoping to make an impact.

He announced his departure last week via social media, thanking the Domstedelingen. He wrote, “FC Utrecht will always have a special place in my heart; returning was a choice from the heart and I leave proud that I have been able to write a new page in the history of this club in my own way.”

Haller expressed his excitement about moving to Japan. He told the club channel, “I am extremely happy and grateful that I may come to play at Sanfrecce Hiroshima. I look forward to getting to know the city of Hiroshima, the club, my teammates and the fans and to start this new adventure with my family.”

Sanfrecce Hiroshima competes at the highest level of Japanese football. The club will host Haller for the upcoming season.

In the 2022‑23 Eredivisie campaign, Haller featured in 21 matches, scoring once and providing three assists. He also spent considerable time dealing with injury problems.

Haller, an Ivory Coast international, has previously played for Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, West Ham United and Borussia Dortmund. His experience spans top leagues in the Netherlands, Germany, England and now Japan.