Japanese midfielder Zento Uno seals dream Borussia Monchengladbach move

By SABC Sport
18th June 2026

Japanese midfielder Zento Uno has completed his long-awaited move to Borussia Monchengladbach, with the Bundesliga club confirming the signing of the 22-year-old from Shimizu S-Pulse on a contract that will run until 2030.

Uno arrives in Germany after establishing himself in Japan's top flight and earning his first senior appearances for the national team. During the 2025 J1 League season, he made 27 appearances for Shimizu S-Pulse, providing one assist.

Borussia sporting director Rouven Schroder believes the midfielder has the qualities needed to succeed in the Bundesliga and praised both his playing style and mentality.

"Zento is a defensively minded, tactically disciplined midfielder who is strong in the tackle, covers plenty of ground and whose greatest strengths lie in his work off the ball," Schroder said.

The Gladbach chief acknowledged that moving from Japan to Germany would be a major challenge but expressed confidence in the player's ability to adapt.

"After two seasons in the J.League and his first appearances for the Japan national team, a move to the Bundesliga is the next step in his career, but also a demanding one. We believe that, with his character and determination, Zento has exactly what it takes to make that step successfully, and we are delighted to be able to support him on that journey."

For Uno, the transfer represents the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.

"I have always dreamed of playing in the Bundesliga," he said.

"Borussia is a huge club and is very well known in Japan through the Japanese players who have represented the club. When the offer came in, I knew immediately that I wanted to play for Borussia. I am very happy to be taking this step and am looking forward to the new challenge."

Uno joins a Borussia Monchengladbach side aiming to improve on a difficult 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign. The club finished 12th in the table with 38 points from 34 matches, ending the season just ahead of Hamburger SV on goal difference.