Premier League: Wolverhampton sign Japan international Hayao Kawabe from Grasshoppers

Premier League side Wolves on Wednesday announced the signing of Japan international Hayao Kawabe from Swiss Super League side Grasshoppers.

The midfielder, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, is expected to return to Switzerland to complete the season on loan after spending January at Molineux.

The 26-year-old, who has four caps, joined the Grasshoppers from Sanfresse Hiroshima in July and has played in 18 appearances scoring four goals.

“Hayao is a player we’ve seen a lot and he’s done really well this season,” said Wolves technical director Scott Sellers.

“He’s an attacking midfield player, very energetic, very busy, and he has good quality. He’s really shined at the Grasshoppers this year, and that’s one of the main reasons they’re doing so well.”

He added: “Hayao will spend January with Bruno (Lage the Wolves manager) group while the Swiss Super League is on winter break, then he will return to the Grasshoppers to finish the season there, as he has been an important player. them so far this season.”