“Not Just Yokohama” – Jasir Asani Hints at Multiple Offers Amid Imminent Gwangju Exit
Asani Responds to Yokohama Transfer Links: “It’s a secret... but I’m still a Gwangju player”
Jasir Asani, the Albanian winger lighting up K League 1 with Gwangju FC, has added fuel to the fire surrounding his summer exit, confirming that he is fielding multiple offers — with Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos reported to be just one of the interested parties.
Following Gwangju’s 2-2 draw with Daejeon Hana Citizen on 22 June, Asani briefly addressed Korean media in the mixed zone. When asked directly about a potential transfer, the 30-year-old responded with a smile: “It’s a secret.” Pressed further, he cryptically added: “I’m here right now,” before stressing his commitment to Gwangju for the time being.
Yet behind the scenes, a move appears increasingly inevitable.
A Race Beyond Yokohama
Japanese media reports suggest Yokohama F. Marinos — currently enduring one of their worst J.League seasons — are pushing hard for Asani’s signature. But the winger made it clear that Yokohama are not alone in their pursuit:
“It’s not just one club that has made an offer,” he confirmed post-match.
Gwangju, currently under disciplinary scrutiny for breaching K League financial regulations, are reportedly preparing to part ways with Asani this summer. With only six months left on his contract, the window is closing to recoup a meaningful transfer fee — estimated at around ₩1 billion (£570,000 / €660,000).
A club representative admitted negotiations were underway, stating: “Other clubs are in talks with us. The fee will likely be lower than what was discussed in the winter.”
On Fire, On Alert
Despite swirling transfer talk, Asani put in a man-of-the-match performance against Daejeon — scoring one and assisting another. His left-footed strike broke the deadlock, and a smart pass set up Park In-hyeok for Gwangju’s second goal. It was his first K League field goal in over three months.
Head coach Lee Jung-hyo offered a cryptic assessment of the Albanian’s mood: “Asani seems to be in good spirits lately. Why? I think we’ll know soon enough.”
When told about the manager’s remarks, Asani responded: “I’ve been under pressure after not playing for the national team, but returning to Gwangju has calmed me. I feel comfortable here, and that helped me perform.”
He insisted: “I’m still here. If we stay focused, Gwangju can climb back into ACLE contention. We have the quality.”
Gwangju’s Jewel on the Market
Since arriving from Hungarian side Kisvárda in December 2022, Asani has made 63 K League appearances, scoring 15 goals and adding 4 assists. His standout campaign came on the continental stage, where he bagged 9 goals in 10 AFC Champions League Elite matches, powering Gwangju to a historic quarter-final run.
He’s already left his mark on Yokohama — netting a hat-trick in a 7-3 demolition in the ACLE group stage — which only strengthens the link with the J.League club.
Transfermarkt currently values Asani at €1.2 million, making him Gwangju’s most prized asset. Given the club’s financial troubles, the sale of their top earner now seems a matter of when, not if.
For now, Asani is still donning the yellow shirt — but all eyes are on how much longer he’ll remain in Gwangju, and who wins the race to secure one of Asia’s hottest attacking properties.