Shoya Nakajima on the verge of completing move away from FC Porto
After arriving at FC Porto with huge expectations in the summer of 2019, Shoya Nakajima has failed to make a significant impact and is closing in on a move away from the club.
Nakajima, 26, is already on track for the United Arab Emirates as he gets set to represent Al-Ain, managed by Portuguese coach Pedro Emanuel, on an initial loan, though Al-Ain will have the opportunity to make the transfer permanent for 40 million euros.
The former Portimonense star earned the modest Algarve club a major 35 million euro windfall in January 2019 when his exploits in the Portuguese top flight earned him global attention and a move to Al Ahli, though his stint in Asia was short-lived after FC Porto opted to bring him back to Portugal for a fee of 12 million euros for 50% of his economic rights.
His second spell in Portugal has been far less productive than his first, Nakajima having scored just one goal in 37 appearances for the club across all competitions, amassing just 1,593 minutes of action in that time - an average of 43 minutes per game.
A move for Nakajima, who has represented Japan on 19 occasions, is therefore something of a necessity in order to recapture his best form and regular game time.
Nakajima started his career with Tokyo Verdy, though it was his time at FC Tokyo that earned him recognition in Europe and a move to Portimonense, initially on a season-long loan.
