Wolves sell midfielder Hayao Kawabe to Standard Liege

Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the sale of Japanese international midfielder, Hayao Kawabe, to Belgian Pro League team Standard Liege.

The move marks a permanent end to Kawabe's time with Wolves, following his January 2022 transfer from Grasshopper Club Zurich.

Kawabe, 28, holds the distinction of being the first-ever Japanese signing for Wolves. After his initial signing, he was loaned back to the Swiss Super League side Grasshopper Club, where he made significant strides, scoring nine times in the previous season.

The transfer will now see Kawabe venturing into a new challenge with Standard Liege, who finished sixth in the Pro League last season.

Sporting director Matt Hobbs spoke on the transfer, saying: “We signed Hayao 18 months ago and his development since has enabled us to have a really good return on our investment. He’s 28 now, so it feels the right time to allow him to sign permanently for a new club, rather than on loan again, and progress further."

While Kawabe did not get to feature for the Wolves' first team, Hobbs emphasized that his time with the club proved mutually beneficial.

He further explained, “Sometimes signings aren’t always defined on the pitch – if they aren’t going to be Wolves players, it’s important we get a return on our investment and set up players for the next stage of their careers."

In reflecting on Kawabe's European playing experience, Hobbs added, “He’s benefitted from playing in Europe and done very, very well in Switzerland. Now, Hayao has the opportunity to kick on in Belgium and we wish him all the best there.”