Kento Shiogai

Kento Shiogai is finding his feet as NEC Nijmegen's Bronze-tier Impact player. Arriving from the Japanese university system in summer 2024, the 21-year-old is building his body of work in Europe. It is an adaptation phase, but the raw ingredients are already visible.

The early data paints a picture of a player learning the European game. With 274 minutes spread across seven appearances, he operates primarily as a spark off the bench. One goal in his last five outings shows flashes of end product. While searching for rhythm as he adjusts to a new league, his Workrate stands out as his defining trait. He does not stop running. He brings relentless pressing to the pitch whenever introduced. The sample size is still emerging, meaning we are waiting to see his full arsenal, but his willingness to put in the hard yards guarantees he remains a useful option late in matches.

Valued at €2M, Shiogai's market trajectory is stable. This is a low-risk, high-upside project for NEC. If he converts that relentless energy into consistent offensive output, that valuation will climb. For now, patience is the watchword.