Le Havre have announced the signing of Japanese forward Sota Nakamura on loan from Sanfrecce Hiroshima, adding a third Japanese player to their squad following the arrivals of Ayumu Seko and Kaito Mizuta. The club described the acquisition as a “nice coup” achieved by sporting director Demba Ba and his team in a statement released on Friday.
Nakamura, 23, has represented Japan twice, scoring one goal in those appearances, both of which came in September 2025. Notably, he previously played alongside Mizuta during their formative years at Maebashi Ikuei High School, suggesting a pre-existing understanding between the two players. The forward is capable of playing as a central striker or on either wing, offering tactical flexibility to Le Havre manager Luka Elsner.
The loan signing addresses a need in Le Havre’s attacking options following the departures of Issa Soumaré to Rennes and Kenny Quetant to Werder Bremen. Both Soumaré and Quetant left the club as free agents, creating vacancies in the forward line that Nakamura is expected to fill. He becomes the fourth addition to the Le Havre squad during the current transfer window, signalling an active summer for the Normandy-based club.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima will be hoping the loan move provides Nakamura with valuable experience in a European top flight. Le Havre, recently promoted back to Ligue 1, are building a squad capable of establishing themselves in the French top division, and the addition of Nakamura adds another dimension to their attacking play. The move could prove beneficial for both clubs, offering Nakamura a platform to develop and Le Havre a dynamic attacking option.
