Ayumu Seko Set for Ligue 1 Move as Le Havre Close In on Japan International

2025-07-20 HAN, June

MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 20: Leon Goretzka of FC Bayern Muenchen competes with Ayumu Seko of Grasshopper Club Zürich during the Preseason Friendly match between FC Bayern München and Grashoppers Zürich at FCB Campus on August 20, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Japan international defender Ayumu Seko is set to join Ligue 1 side Le Havre AC on a free transfer, according to reports from French outlet L’Équipe. The 25-year-old centre-back, who most recently played for Swiss club Grasshopper Club Zürich, is expected to become Le Havre’s sixth signing of the summer window as they continue their efforts to solidify their squad ahead of the 2025–26 season.

Seko, born in Osaka, began his professional career with Cerezo Osaka and made the move to Grasshoppers in early 2022. During his three-and-a-half years in Switzerland, he established himself as a consistent and reliable performer, amassing 117 appearances in the Swiss Super League and contributing one goal. Notably, he remained largely injury-free and demonstrated his versatility by performing both as a central defender and a defensive midfielder.

His contract with Grasshoppers expired in June 2025, and he has since been available as a free agent. The timing and status of his availability appear to have made him an ideal target for Le Havre, a club operating under strict financial constraints but eager to add experience and depth to their squad. Le Havre finished 15th in Ligue 1 last season under coach Luka Elsner, narrowly avoiding relegation, and are currently undergoing a rebuild to ensure greater stability in the upcoming campaign.

SUITA, JAPAN - JUNE 10: Ayumu Seko of Japan runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup Asian Third Qualifier Group C match between Japan and Indonesia at Panasonic Stadium Suita on June 10, 2025 in Suita, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

L’Équipe highlighted Seko’s performances in Switzerland, noting that he “proved his quality” over multiple seasons and is now beginning to establish himself in Japan’s senior national team setup. He featured in Japan’s recent World Cup qualifiers against Australia and Indonesia in June and has earned seven caps to date. A member of Japan's squad at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Seko has long been viewed as a player with significant potential.

Should the deal be finalised, Seko would become the first Japanese player in Le Havre’s history. The move would also mark another significant step for the French club, who have in recent years looked to overseas markets to strengthen their roster with value signings.

For Le Havre, securing a player of Seko’s calibre without a transfer fee represents a smart piece of business. His international experience, positional flexibility, and consistent fitness record could provide a much-needed boost to a side aiming to consolidate their top-flight status after a challenging return to Ligue 1.