It has emerged that Cerezo Osaka President Takayuki Hioki (日置貴之) is using the expertise he developed in other industries to promote reforms in player development and establish a new approach to player transfers. He is calling for appropriate transactions in overseas transfers, highlighting the club's commitment to long-term growth.
Cerezo Osaka Representative Director and President Takayuki Hioki (日置貴之) discussed his vision for reforming the club after taking office, advancing reforms in player development and transfers based on his experience in the sports business. Drawing on his career in other industries, he outlined a vision for delivering the value of football and Cerezo to the local community.
As part of his sporting reforms, he began reviewing player contracts. He pointed out that the contracts had not been sufficiently developed on a business basis and expressed his intention to place importance on appropriate transfer transactions. The club aims to maximize the asset value associated with overseas transfers of players from its academy system.
Under its transfer strategy, the club is adopting a policy of narrowing down candidates from around the world using data and taking the initiative in recruitment rather than leaving it to agents. It is developing evaluation criteria based on the use of WyScout and data analysis, and indicated that it intends to secure value for the club through transfer fees and the use of sell-on clauses.
Citing the examples of Nelson Ishiwata (石渡ネルソン) moving to Belgium and Sota Kitano (北野颯太) moving to Austria this summer, he explained that advance preparation and the setting of appropriate contractual terms had produced results. He emphasized the club's commitment to maintaining a long-term player development strategy while building routes for overseas transfers.
The club entered into an official club partnership with Borussia Dortmund in January this year and is promoting collaboration in player development and women's football. It plans to increase the club's value from its base in Osaka and accumulate and apply its player development expertise as the Cerezo Method.