Daichi Kamada didn’t have the best time at Lazio Rome, so he let the option to extend his contract expire. The ex-Frankfurt man is now set to work with coach Oliver Glasner once again
Crystal Palace have signed Daichi Kamada for the upcoming Premier League season. The Japanese player, who finished tenth in the table last season, signed a two-year contract on Monday. This will see him reunite with coach Oliver Glasner, under whom Kamada already played for Eintracht Frankfurt between 2021 and 2023.
“Daichi is a truly exceptional talent,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish: “He has been one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe in recent years.” The Japanese’s experience and technique would make him an “excellent addition” to the squad.
The 27-year-old midfielder left Eintracht on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 and was a bit of a gamble in terms of interested parties – in the opinion of the club of his choice, AC Milan, he apparently did not have enough pace
In the important Champions League matches, Kamada came off the bench
He finally signed for Lazio Roma at the beginning of August, but the chapter in Italy did not turn into a success story. Lazio finished in 7th place, Kamada was only substituted in twelve of his 29 league appearances and ended up with two goals and two assists. He also came off the bench in the decisive matches in the Champions League.
It was only under new coach Igor Tudor (since mid-March) that Kamada became a regular, scoring against champions Inter on the penultimate matchday. However, in order for his contract with the Laziali to be extended, both parties would have had to agree on a new contract by May 31. According to the Italian media, Kamada preferred a lower exit clause than the 20 million euros that Lazio are said to have proposed. An agreement was not reached
More: In an interview with the Corrierre della Serra, Lazio president Claudio Lotito reported that Kamada’s side had demanded a contract extension of one year and a hand money of 2.5 million euros. “I’m fed up with players who think they can blackmail us,” Lotito raged.
And Kamada himself? In his new club’s press release, he understandably only looks forward. “I’m looking forward to working with Oliver again, who I know well as a coach,” he says.
