Cerezo Osaka forward Sota Kitano (北野 颯太 きたの そうた), one of the brightest young talents in Japanese football, is edging closer to a move to Austrian powerhouse Red Bull Salzburg, multiple Japanese outlets reported on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old striker, who has come through the youth ranks at Cerezo and made his J1 debut in 2022, has received an official transfer offer from Salzburg, with negotiations between the clubs now underway. Cerezo’s Team Director Yuji Noguchi confirmed the news, stating: “It is true that we have received a formal offer. We understand his dream of playing abroad.”

However, the Osaka-based club is reluctant to let him go immediately, citing a growing injury list and a congested fixture schedule. “Given the number of injuries we have, it’s not easy to simply say, ‘Go chase your dream,’” Noguchi admitted.

Negotiation Point: Timing the Exit
While Salzburg is pushing for an immediate transfer so that Kitano can join the squad before pre-season preparations, Cerezo is hoping to retain their star forward at least until the June 1st home match against Shimizu S-Pulse. If that request cannot be accommodated, Kitano’s final appearance in front of home fans could come as early as May 24 against Avispa Fukuoka.

Cerezo is facing five matches across league and cup competitions in just two weeks—a demanding stretch for a team already short on fit forwards. “A player of Kitano’s caliber cannot be easily replaced,” Noguchi emphasized. “It’s very difficult to bring in someone of that level mid-season.”

A Launchpad for Bigger Stages
Red Bull Salzburg has long been a proven launchpad for Asian players aiming to break into European football. Japan international Takumi Minamino famously made his first move abroad to Salzburg before later starring for Liverpool in the Premier League.

Kitano’s potential move follows a similar blueprint. A member of Japan’s U-20 World Cup squad in 2023, the youngster burst onto the scene by scoring twice in this season’s Osaka Derby opener and has been a key contributor despite a recent goal drought. His work rate, pressing intelligence, and attacking variety have made him indispensable to head coach Arthur Papas.

Though he has yet to receive a senior Japan call-up, Kitano is being viewed as a potential candidate for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. A successful stint in Europe could rapidly accelerate that trajectory.

Farewell on the Horizon?
The growing speculation surrounding Kitano’s future has also ignited public interest. On May 15, around 700 fans gathered at Cerezo’s training ground—an extraordinary number for a weekday session. Kitano spent over 90 minutes signing autographs and posing for photos, with some supporters even bringing life-size cardboard cutouts for him to sign.

A club staff member noted the frenzy was reminiscent of Yoichiro Kakitani’s transfer to FC Basel in 2014.

What Comes Next?
With Austria’s transfer window opening on June 1, all signs point toward an imminent agreement. Kitano has reportedly received multiple offers from European clubs, but Salzburg remains the most advanced in talks.

Cerezo is keen to ensure a controlled handover, hoping to balance the needs of the team with the aspirations of a player who has grown into the club’s symbol in recent seasons.

As negotiations enter the final stretch, all eyes now turn to Sota Kitano’s decision. Will he say goodbye to Osaka fans on home turf in late May—or will his next touch of the ball already be in red and white under the Austrian Alps?