According to Sponichi, FC Tokyo have acted swiftly to fill the void left by their young Olympic goalkeeper’s departure, lining up a move for the experienced South Korean international.

FC Tokyo are on the verge of securing the services of experienced South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, following the imminent departure of their young Olympic star Brandon Nozawa to Royal Antwerp in Belgium’s top flight.

As reported by Japanese newspaper Sponichi, the J-League side have identified Kim Seung-gyu, who recently left Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab, as the ideal candidate to bolster their goalkeeping ranks. The 34-year-old former South Korean international, who boasts extensive experience in the J-League from his time with Vissel Kobe and Kashiwa Reysol, is expected to be formally unveiled in the coming days.

Nozawa’s move to Belgium comes after a standout season with FC Tokyo, where he cemented his place as first-choice goalkeeper and earned a call-up to the Japanese national team. His €1.1 million release clause proved too tempting to resist for Antwerp, who are keen to bolster their squad following a fifth-place finish in the Belgian First Division.

Nozawa, 22, is widely regarded as one of Japan’s brightest young goalkeeping prospects, having graduated from the FC Tokyo academy and previously gained experience on loan with Morioka in the J3 League. Although he earned a place in Japan’s Olympic squad for Paris 2024, he did not feature on the pitch, leaving him hungry for new challenges in Europe. With the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America on the horizon, Nozawa views his Belgian adventure as a crucial step in his development.

FC Tokyo, keen to avoid a goalkeeping crisis in the middle of the season, moved quickly to fill the void left by Nozawa’s departure. Kim Seung-gyu’s arrival, expected to be finalised within days, represents a significant coup for the capital club. The South Korean brings not only international pedigree but also a wealth of experience at the highest levels of Asian football, having represented his country in World Cups and Asian Cups alike.

For FC Tokyo supporters, the news of Kim’s imminent arrival offers reassurance that the club remain ambitious despite the loss of their homegrown star. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on how Nozawa adapts to life in Belgium, as he aims to prove himself on the European stage and stake a claim for Japan’s World Cup squad.