Sugawara set for Cagliari on loan with €5.5m option to buy from Southampton
Quick summary
Cagliari are finalizing a loan deal for Sugawara from Southampton, including a €5.5 million option to make the transfer permanent.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceCagliari have agreed a deal for Southampton right-back Yukinari Sugawara, claim multiple sources, on loan with option to buy for €5.5m.
Sportitalia, Sport Mediaset and more are all confident that he has been given permission to fly out for medical tests.
The defender just turned 26 and was part of the Japan squad at the most recent World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Cagliari welcome Sugawara SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Yukinari Sugawara of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Sugawara can play as a right-back , in a more advanced role, or as a central defender if required.
Southampton paid €7m to purchase him from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024, and he spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen.
The Japan international made 31 competitive appearances for the German side last term, providing six assists.
He leaves Southampton after one goal and one assist in 35 games.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 25: Yukinari Sugawara #2 of Japan controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Japan and Sweden at Dallas Stadium on June 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Cagliari are being very active on the market, as they already guaranteed Yanis Massolin from Inter on loan with option to buy and a buy-back clause included.
They are also set to sign free agent Roberto Gagliardini to bolster the midfield.
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What happened
Cagliari are close to securing the services of Sugawara on a season-long loan from Southampton, with the deal including a €5.5 million purchase option. The move would give the Serie A side additional depth ahead of the new campaign, while Southampton look to offload a player outside their Premier League plans. The structure of the deal — loan with a relatively affordable buy clause — suggests Cagliari are testing the player before committing long-term.
Chance analysis
This is a modest but meaningful piece of business for Cagliari, who continue to operate with financial discipline in the Serie A market. A €5.5m option to buy reflects a calculated gamble on a player whose development has stalled in England. For Southampton, trimming the squad of a fringe player frees up wages and registration space, though the option clause means they could still recoup a fee if the Japanese international impresses in Italy.
Cagliari add squad depth in a wing/full-back role on a low-risk loan deal, while Southampton shed a fringe player with a potential future sell-on fee.