Transfers
Also making a switch were Japan internationals Yukinari Sugawara and Kota Takai, while Australia forward Kusini Yengi joined Sanfrecce Hiroshima on loan.
Hwang returns to Bundesliga
Hwang will spend the 2026/27 season with Schalke after joining the German side on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 30-year-old returns to familiar surroundings, having previously played in Germany with Hamburger SV and RB Leipzig, and arrives with 82 Korea Republic appearances and 17 international goals.
“Schalke 04 impressed me last season. I’ve been studying their style of play closely and think that I’d be a good fit for the team,” said Hwang.
“In 2021, I played at the stadium for Leipzig, but unfortunately there were no fans allowed in. I can hardly wait to experience the atmosphere in front of a sold-out crowd as a Schalke player.”
Diaby back at Leverkusen
Diaby ended his stint in Saudi Arabia after Bayer Leverkusen reached an agreement with Al Ittihad for the French winger, who has signed a contract until June 30, 2031.
The 27-year-old returns to the club where he spent four seasons between 2019 and 2023 before spells with Aston Villa and Al Ittihad.
Diaby helped Al Ittihad win the Saudi Pro League title in 2025 before making his return to Germany.
“The club is now much bigger than it was back then,” said Diaby. “Competing for titles with Bayer 04 is a wonderful prospect – it’s a major goal of mine.”
“I want to be an even better player than I was when I joined the club.”
Sugawara makes Serie A switch
Japan international Sugawara will continue his career in Italy after joining Cagliari on loan from Southampton with an option to buy.
The 26-year-old right-back, who spent last season on loan with Werder Bremen, previously enjoyed five seasons with AZ Alkmaar, making 198 appearances while contributing 14 goals and 29 assists.
“I’m very happy to be here. I can’t wait to get started and I’ll give everything for this club.” said Sugawara.
Takai heads to Belgium
Fellow Japan international Takai completed a season-long loan move from Tottenham Hotspur to Belgian side Sint-Truidense VV.
The 21-year-old defender joined Tottenham from Kawasaki Frontale in 2025 and spent part of last season on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he made eight Bundesliga appearances.
“I’m joining an STVV team that knows very clearly how it wants to play,” said Takai.
“I’ve already played with Shogo Taniguchi at Kawasaki Frontale and with the Japan national team. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow alongside him and my new teammates and achieving good results.”
Yengi returns to Japan
Sanfrecce Hiroshima have bolstered their attacking options with the acquisition of Australia international Yengi on loan from Aberdeen for the remainder of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent.
The 27-year-old is no stranger to Japanese football, having previously spent time with Cerezo Osaka, and will wear the No.9 shirt for Sanfrecce.
“I’m very excited to join Sanfrecce Hiroshima,” said Yengi.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, getting to work and helping the team achieve success.”
Tanque joins Chennaiyin
In India, Chennaiyin FC strengthened their frontline with the signing of Brazilian striker Ramon Tanque on loan from Indonesian side Persib Bandung for the 2026/27 season.
The 27-year-old scored eight goals in 28 appearances across competitions for Persib last season and had previously claimed the Cambodian Premier League Golden Boot after netting 21 times for Visakha FC in the 2024/25 season.
“I’m very happy and motivated for this new challenge in my career,” said Tanque.
“It will be my first time playing in India, and I am excited about this opportunity. My goal is to help Chennaiyin FC return to a winning path and achieve success again.”
Fraser strengthens Macarthur
Macarthur FC added former Scotland international Ryan Fraser to their squad ahead of the new A-League season.
The 32-year-old winger, who made 181 Premier League appearances during spells with Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Southampton, remains in Australia after featuring for Western Sydney Wanderers last season.
Fraser scored four goals in 12 appearances for the Wanderers before making the switch to Macarthur.
Martin joins Brisbane
Brisbane Roar strengthened their defence with the signing of Annabel Martin, with the 27-year-old bringing more than 100 A-League Women appearances and championship-winning experience from her spell with Central Coast Mariners.
“I’m super excited to be a part of the Brisbane Roar family,” said Martin.
“I can’t wait for the season to start and to be playing in front of all the passionate fans, competing and giving it my all.”
Pollicina returns to Wanderers
Western Sydney Wanderers brought attacking midfielder Rhianna Pollicina back to the club on a two-season deal following her stint with Melbourne Victory.
“It’s a very special moment,” said Pollicina.
“It’s a full circle moment for me as I started my career for the Wanderers and I’m just very grateful to be back in Western Sydney as it’s home for me.”
Dall’Oste back at Perth
Perth Glory also added goalkeeper Alyssa Dall’Oste, who returns for a second spell after most recently playing for FC Bulleen Lions.
“I’m so glad to be back at Glory,” said Dall’Oste. “This season is all about Finals football; that’s the target.”
Photo: AFP
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