April 4 – Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers have forged a partnership with J-League outfit Shonan Bellmare, aiming to nurture elite Asian football talent and provide them with opportunities in the Premier League.
Shonan Bellmare, currently holding a mid-table position in Japan with four points from three matches, will collaborate with Wolves to enhance academy football and bolster both clubs’ international exposure while focusing on player and coach development.
This alliance adds to Wolves’ existing connections within Asia, highlighted by their ownership under Chinese conglomerate Fosun International.
The presence of South Korean football star Hwang Hee Chan as Wolves’ top scorer further boosts the club’s popularity in the Asian region.
“Information on talent pools in both countries will be shared, while the two clubs will co-work on the development of elite Asian players, with the potential of bringing them to Europe,” said a Wolves statement.
“Each camp will also support sale activities in youth football camps and schools in both Japan and the UK, improving the development of both coaches and players.
“Mutual support will be provided in advertising sponsors and partner acquisitions, while knowledge and experience in business will be shared, as will opportunities of co-development of sports merchandising businesses.
“Bellmare will benefit from scouting information from European football, while Wolves and Fosun will receive information on academy footballers in Japan in return.”
Wolves currently place 10th in the Premier League, three points off a European place as things tighten up in the top half of the table.
They will host West Ham on Saturday with the ambition of leapfrogging the Hammers, who are currently three points clear of Wolves with a game in hand.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1713944128labto1713944128ofdlr1713944128owedi1713944128sni@g1713944128niwe.1713944128yrrah1713944128