Feyenoord almost have a successor for Hancko and also monitor Van den Berg | OneFootball

Tsuyoshi Watanabe played for KAA Gent against Feyenoord on Saturday, but is now quickly making a definitive move to Rotterdam. Feyenoord have reportedly almost finalised the signing of the Japanese central defender.

Voetbal International report that “Feyenoord have secured a successor to David Hancko, who is about to leave for Al Nassr”. The experienced Watanabe (28) played for Gent against Feyenoord as a left-footed central defender and notably made an excellent impression.

The outlet continues, “He stood out for his positioning, pressing, and leadership. Watanabe has been on Feyenoord’s wish list for some time, but an initial attempt to sign him in June failed.”

Realistically, Feyenoord must sign two new defenders, especially given Thomas Beelen’s serious leg injury sustained in the Gent friendly. Additionally, Feyenoord also approached Middlesbrough in an attempt to acquire Rav van den Berg.

The 21-year-old former PEC Zwolle youth player is making a strong career for himself in the Championship and recently played with the Dutch U21 team at the European Championship in Slovakia. Interestingly, last season Feyenoord were briefly in the market for his brother Sepp, but he left Liverpool for Brentford for €24 million.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield