Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker Hisato Sato, the second-highest goalscorer in J. League top-flight history with 161 goals, will join relegated Nagoya Grampus, Sanfrecce's president said Sunday.
"We can do nothing but accept his decision," said Hidekazu Orita, who had been asking the 34-year-old Sato to stay at Sanfrecce, where the striker has spent 12 years.
Sato reached double figures with his goals in each of the past seven seasons and steered Hiroshima to J1 titles in 2012, 2013 and 2015. But the veteran netted only four times in the league this year after making eight starts in 19 appearances.
Grampus, the 2010 J1 champions who suffered their first relegation this year, are busy preparing for the unforeseen challenge with Kawasaki Frontale manager Yahiro Kazama set to be named as their new manager. Kazama has led Kawasaki to second in the overall standings this campaign and into the J. League Championship playoff semifinal.
Frontale's 34-year-old striker Yoshito Okubo, who is set to join FC Tokyo next year, leads the all-time J. League top-flight goal list with 171 goals after bagging 15 this term.
