Born in Osaka, the second largest town in Japan, the japanese national team player Kakitani has progressed through the youth department of the club Cerezo Osaka, where he signed as youngest player of the club history a professional contract.

Temporary he has been loaned to the second division club Tokushima Vortis. In 2012 Kakitani has been affiliated into the first-team squad definitely and since then scored 33 times in 77 games. In the Japan national team he played 14 times and scored five times until now. In the international competition of the Asian Champions League he could score in eight games four times this year.

Both clubs have agreed to maintain confidentiality regarding the contract terms.

FCB-President Bernhard Heusler is very pleased about the new member/player: „We have shown great effort since half a year. Many other european clubs were interested in this player, the more we are happy, that Kakitani has decided to join FC Basel 1893“.

After the official leave-taking from Cerezo Osaka Yoichiro Kakitani travels to Switzerland and will join FCB on 17th July 2014.  He will wear shirt number 14.

Message from Yoichiro Kakitani: "Nice to meet you FC Basel 1893 fans. I’m Yoichiro Kakitani.  It’s my great pleasure to be joining FCB.  I wish to express my deep gratitude to all staffs and members of FCB, who gave me a chance to fulfill my dream of playing in Europe. I will have myself to be integrated into the team as soon as possible, and will give my best contribution to FCB’s victory! Looking forward to seeing you in Basel."

Note for the media: FCB will held a press conference with Yoichiro Kakitani when he has arrived in Basel. You will be informed of the exact time and date.