12 Dec 2005(Mon)

December 9, 2005: I was quite surprised to read the other day that Tokunaga had signed for FC Tokyo after all.

I must admit I thought the chances were slim, after all the talk about him going to Valencia or even to Kashima Antlers.

When I spoke to him after a Japan match at the East Asian Games in Macau recently he gave the impression that FC Tokyo was not an option. In fact it was Tokunaga himself who mentioned Kashima, which made sense to me as he would be a fine replacement for the combative Narahashi.

As for Valencia, some people seemed to think he would be signing permanently, and others that he would be going for two weeks of training in December, and then returning to Japan.

But, in the end, he did the logical thing and signed for FC Tokyo, where he played so well, of course, while he was still at Waseda University.

Tokunaga is an extremely talented and verstaile player, and will serve Tokyo well in a number of positions.

However, his decision to sign for "The Gasmen" has put a question mark against the future of their current right back, Kaji.

Rumour has it, and has had it for several weeks, that he might be going to Gamba, to toughen up their right flank.

This would also make sense, as Gamba clearly need to strengthen their defence after conceding so many goals in J1 this season.

Talking about goals and Gamba, this brings us round to Oguro, who, it seems, appears keen to move to Grenoble in the French second division.

I am sure Oguro will be offered good terms by Grenoble, and it is a wonderful opportunity to move to Europe, but the timing seems awkward.

There's only six months to the World Cup in Germany, and Oguro, I am convinced, has one of the 23 places in Zico's squad nailed down. If he stays in Japan he will be available for all the national team's preparations, and will be playing for Gamba and keeping in good match condition.

If he goes to France, he may not settle to the lifestyle -- the language is very difficult -- and may not be guaranteed a place in the starting line-up -- and Grenoble will not be too keen on releasing him for friendlies. He may disappear off Zico's radar, like Okubo.

Gamba have offered him a multi-year contract, and I feel Oguro should sign it, play at the World Cup, score a few goals (hopefully against Brazil), earn a big-money move to a bigger club than Grenoble, secure a hefty transfer fee for Gamba Osaka...and then everyone is happy!

ends