Sugawara set for Cagliari on loan with €5.5m option to buy from Southampton | OneFootball

Cagliari have agreed a deal for Southampton right-back Yukinari Sugawara, claim multiple sources, on loan with option to buy for €5.5m.

Sportitalia, Sport Mediaset and more are all confident that he has been given permission to fly out for medical tests.

The defender just turned 26 and was part of the Japan squad at the most recent World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Cagliari welcome Sugawara

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Yukinari Sugawara of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Sugawara can play as a right-back, in a more advanced role, or as a central defender if required.

Southampton paid €7m to purchase him from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024, and he spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen.

The Japan international made 31 competitive appearances for the German side last term, providing six assists.

He leaves Southampton after one goal and one assist in 35 games.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 25: Yukinari Sugawara #2 of Japan controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Japan and Sweden at Dallas Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Cagliari are being very active on the market, as they already guaranteed Yanis Massolin from Inter on loan with option to buy and a buy-back clause included.

They are also set to sign free agent Roberto Gagliardini to bolster the midfield.