Ayumu Seko becomes Le Havre’s first-ever Japanese player

Le Havre AC have made a significant addition to their defensive line with the arrival of Japanese international Ayumu Seko, who becomes the first player from Japan to sign for the Normandy-based club.

The 25-year-old centre-back, born in Osaka, arrives on a free transfer after three standout seasons at Grasshopper Club Zürich. A former J-League Young Player of the Year (2020), Seko progressed through the ranks at Cerezo Osaka before moving to the Swiss Super League in early 2022, where he developed into a key figure.

Seko has already made seven appearances for the Japan national team.

Strong in duels and capable on the ball, the 1.85m defender has already made seven appearances for the Japan national team, featuring in both of their June internationals. His consistent form in Switzerland didn’t attract interest from domestic heavyweights like Young Boys or Basel, but his profile is one Ligue 1 fans will recognise: Japanese internationals like Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco) and Junya Ito (Stade de Reims) have found fertile ground in France, while Swiss Super League alumni such as Mohamed-Ali Cho and Vincent Sierro have also transitioned successfully into the French top flight.

He joins Félix Mambimbi, Godson Kyeremeh, Mory Diaw, Thomas Delaine, and Lionel Mpasi as part of the club’s summer rebuild under Didier Digard. The club finished 15th in Ligue 1 last season, managing to avoid the relegation play-offs in a dramatic last day of action.

Ayumu Seko becomes Le Havre’s first-ever Japanese player

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