Shinji Kagawa: More than just a shirt seller

Day before yesterday, Manchester United confirmed that they had agreed a deal with German champions Borussia Dortmund over the purchase of their Japanese playmaker, Shinji Kagawa.

In the week that Chelsea completed the signing of Belgian Eden Hazard from Lille, news of United’s first summer arrival has been rather brushed aside as people reflected on the West Londoner’s new £32 million man.

But in Kagawa, United have a player that has rapidly ascended to become one of Europe’s most exciting prospects, and one that offers far more than the high marketing possibilities – often connoted with Asian footballers playing in the West.

Signed by Jurgen Klopp for the meagre sum of €350,000 from J League side Cerezo Osaka, the player quickly settled in Germany, and impressed with his agility, technique and intelligence. He would enjoy Bundesliga success in his first season in Europe, drawing plaudits for his performances as Klopp’s men sauntered to the title.

Kagawa had entered the vision of several of Europe’s leading clubs despite a metatarsal injury that resulted in him missing the back end of 2011. The player was now an integral part of a Dortmund side hoping to retain their Bundesliga crown.

His impact in helping his side achieve this feat was immense. From the roots that had been laid after his first season, the player grew into Bundesliga’s most potent attacking force. 

Last season, he scored 17 goals in all competitions, as well as assisting another 13, as Dortmund went onto complete an unprecedented domestic double. What made this contribution all the more vital to his team’s cause was that it was done whilst their German prodigy, Mario Götze, was out injured. 

As a result of his numerous eye-catching displays, Manchester United were rumoured to be paying close attention to the blossoming career Kagawa was enjoying. 

United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson was in attendance at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium during Dortmund’s 5-2 German cup victory over Bayern Munich, and his excitement at Kagawa’s performance was tangible.

After learning of United’s desire to obtain his services, a transfer to the Premier League was almost inevitable. Kagawa announced he wanted to leave Germany after the cup final, and his dream of playing in England was close to becoming reality.

Now, with only the work permit issues to be sorted, United may have signed the player many feel they missed last season. Despite having a physique many may term as not conducive for success in England, Kagawa has many qualities that ensure he is conditioned for a successful career in the Premier League.

A tireless runner, he is also high in intelligence when it comes to movement, knowing what runs to make, and when to make them. With the likes of Rooney and Valencia providing similarly effective movement, as well as service in and around the opposition area, Kagawa will have many opportunities to put his impressive finishing to the test.

Ferguson will probably see Kagawa as a player very much designed to play in the final third of the pitch, either down on one of the flanks – probably the left – or centrally behind the main striker, almost in a ‘Trequartista’ role.

Shinji Kagawa is a player the modern day club craves. Highly skilled in attack, he also works tirelessly away from goal and has exhibited many defensive talents.

Affable off the pitch, he has the characteristics that can make him instantly popular amongst teammates and fans. Add all this to the marketing value he has due to his nationality, Manchester United may well have completed the transfer coup of the summer.