Premier League: a partnership between Aston Villa FC and Vissel Kobe (Japan)

Aston Villa FC (Premier League) have entered into a strategic partnership with Vissel Kobe (J.League) aimed at strengthening their "international network and player development pipeline," announced the English club on 19/10/2023.

"The J1 League side, who currently sit top of the division, join the growing V Sports (Luxembourg investment fund & owner of Aston Villa) global network of clubs alongside ZED FC (Egyptian D1) and Vitória Sport Clube (Liga Portugal Betclic)," added the Birmingham club.

"Villa and Vissel Kobe will work to create a bilateral development framework for players and staff which will enhance youth development, alongside the cooperative sharing of ideas, techniques and best practice. The partnership will look to further open up pathways for talented Japanese players to play in Europe and, ultimately, at Aston Villa. This synergy between the clubs will also extend to first team level, with the exchange of technical knowledge and coaching methodology together with collaboration in the areas of performance, scouting & recruitment, data analysis and overall squad…