Tracking back to February 5, a news from Japan's sponichi rocked the soccer world: J-League powerhouse Cerezo Osaka is expected to welcome back former stalwart Jonic, and the transfer negotiations for the former Shanghai Shenhua foreigner seem to be nearing an end.
According to insiders, Cerezo Osaka and Shanghai Shenhua have managed to break through the transfer dilemma and the two sides are negotiating on the final details. The news of Jonic's return is undoubtedly a shot in the arm for Osaka Cherry Blossoms.
With the departure of Ayumu Seguro, the centerpiece of the team's backline, Sakura Osaka is in dire need of a boost at the back. The return of Jonic will undoubtedly significantly strengthen the team's backline.
Croatian international Jonić joined Osaka Sakura in 2017 and has had a 99.4% attendance rate in four seasons, racking up 156 appearances and 13 goals, becoming the lynchpin of the team's backline and helping the team win the Nippon Confederation Cup and Emperor's Cup double.
Shanghai Shenhua brought in Jonic from Cerezo Osaka to add to their roster under the direction of Cui Kangxi. In his one year at Shenhua, Jonic has been a steady performer, averaging 1.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 3.9 breakaways, and 0.6 blocked shots, making him an eye-catching performer on the defensive side of the ball. When he first joined Shenhua, he signed a two-year contract with the club until the end of 2022. (DD)
