Kōji Miyoshi has hailed the Bundesliga as "one of the best leagues in the world" after completing a deadline-day switch from Birmingham City to Bochum. bundesliga.com profiles the diminutive Japanese attacker...

Data correct as of 30 August 2024

Kōji Miyoshi

Age: 27 (born 26 March 1997)
Club: Bochum
Position: Attacking midfielder/ winger
Country: Japan 

Key stats

"It's one of the best and strongest leagues in the world, with great stadiums and a fantastic atmosphere," Miyoshi said of the Bundesliga after signing for Bochum on a four-year deal through to 30 June 2028. The five-time Japan international has a few points of comparison, having played in England's second tier for the Birmingham, won the Jupiler League and two domestic cups with Royal Antwerp and collected two J-League titles in his homeland.

Miyoshi had a hand in 13 goals in 52 competitive games in just over one full season in England, coming close to matching his career-best 19 goal involvements across 92 senior outings in Belgium. His next best haul - seven goals and as many assists - came in the colours of hometown club Kawasaki Frontale. The 5'5" attacking midfielder, who can also play on the wings, will wear the Bochum No.23 shirt.

Plays a bit like: Mario Götze

Miyoshi's deft touch, graceful movement, selfless play and creative touch are reminsicent of a young Mario Götze in his Borussia Dortmund pomp. The main difference is that the pocket-sized Bochum playmaker is left-footed.

Did you know?

Miyoshi follows in the footsteps of Takuma Asano, who spent three years at Bochum before moving to Mallorca in summer 2024. Shinji Ono also wore the dark blue of Bochum between 2007 and 2010.

Bochum's new Samurai Blue addition attributes his desire to play top-level football abroad to a formative experience at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

"I wasn't a pro player at the time, but I came up against opponents from around the world who were professionals. That made me realise that I needed to offer something extra to compete with them," he recalled. "I think that nudged me towards taking the option of playing overseas."

Miyoshi joined Kawasaki Frontale at the age of 10, before debuting for the senior team eight years later. - Imago

Want more Bundesliga Action?

GET THE UPDATES!

What they're saying

"Kōji Miyoshi is a very creative midfielder, who's really effective at setting up his teammates. He's very technical and agile. He's a creator, but also a taker of chances." - Marc Lettau, Bochum sporting director

"He's somebody who can get the ball in really good areas and play forward passes into dangerous areas." - John Eustace, former Birmingham City head coach

"Kōji is an intelligent player with real quality. He's an enthusiastic learner and will only get better." - Sven Jaecques, Antwerp general manager

About the clubs

VfL Bochum 1848

Vonovia Ruhrstadion