Kento Shiogai, 20, joins Wolfsburg on a 4.5-year deal after the club activated the transfer clause in Shiogai's NEC contract, which was reportedly set at €10 million. That makes the young Japanese forward the second-most expensive transfer in NEC history, slightly behind goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who joined Sunderland for €10.5 million in the summer of 2025.
The transfer fee earns NEC massive profit on Shiogai, who joined the Nijmegen outfit on a free transfer from Keio University in 2024.
The Japanese striker made 42 appearances for NEC, in which he scored 14 goals. Shiogai was good for nine goals in 14 league appearances this season, all of which came as a substitute, just like his five goals last season. No Eredivisie player has ever scored more goals as a substitute without scoring one as a starter.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be in Wolfsburg now. Moving to the Bundesliga is a big step for me, and I’m so excited to make the challenge here”, Shiogai said on Wolfsburg's club website.
“I am going to give one hundred percent for the team and continue to develop as a player for our future. I can’t wait to get started as a Wolf.”
NEC director Carlos Aalbers is proud of Shiogai, but is left with a "double feeling" after the exit of the Japanese talent.
"We are doing something wonderful on the pitch and have our ambitions. On the other hand, we are extremely proud that, after a successful transfer summer, we have once again been confirmed as a club that creates value. For players from abroad, and Japan in particular, this proves that N.E.C. can serve as an ideal stepping stone on the way to the top of Europe."
