Relegated J1 Teams & Transfer Rumours
Updated: Oct 21
2026/27 update: current J1 team news, results, tables and round reviews are now on J League Scout.
Intro
We usually see a number of key players from relegated J1 sides transfer/be sold. For example, last season we saw Iwao, Matsuo Kamifukumoto move from relegated sides to J1 teams in the off season.
This does present opportunities on Sorare, both in terms of trading and usability. However there there is still risk that players remain at their clubs!
This post will highlight the key players for Shimizu and Iwate and who have been heavily linked to moving. We get ALOT of rumours with these players and I will only put info from what I consider reliable sources. Its goes without saying that none of these are guaranteed to happen and to do you own research before any buy :)
Shimizu
Notes
The top scorer from last season has been linked to a number of clubs such as Sapporo, Frontale, Gamba and Kashima
Likely involves a transfer fee and takes up a a foreign player space. This makes a transfer to Frontale unlikely
Gamba have freed up spaces with the release of Patric and Pereira and also have received money from the sale of Shoji to Kashima. The signing makes alot of sense considering these factors
Very well known and hyped player that has been somewhat priced in. Although I rate him a lot, his 14 goals last season was relatively low for the top scorer of the league
Chances of leaving : 80%
Notes
Along with Santana, the stand out play for Shimizu
Got 7 assists and was also on set pieces.
Urawa are heavily rumoured to have made an offer for him. I find this a little surprising in that they have two good young left backs
There is a lack of supply on Sorare with him and not many listing. I really rate him and am personally keeping an eye open esp for any SR listings
Chances of leaving : 75%
Interestingly, I havent seen Carlinhos name appear much in rumours
Type of player that I enjoy watching but has had a very much stop start season due injuries and playing from the bench starting only 40% of games
Overall, unless he is in a long term contract/high wages, I still see him leaving. I also think he could be frustrating to use on Sorare
Chances of leaving : 65%
Suzuki has been heavily linked to a transfer to Kawasaki who are rumoured to have made an offer. Teams in Belgium and Scotland are also monitoring him
Has played for the u23/u21 national side and was called up to the main team squad earlier this year
Had a strong start last year but then mysteriously for me was hardly used in the second half of the season with the new manager
He is one my favourite young players who can play both in midfield and as a forward. He has pace, strength and though his finishing has been questioned, it has been improving.
His Sorare scores dont fully illustrate his potential/upside in my eyes and I see him moving this off season, with my personal hope of it being to a J1 side rather than overseas.
Chances of leaving : 80%
Gonda as is well known, the international keeper for Japan and its been assumed he will be leaving to a J1 side
Teams such as Kobe (who are known to need a keeper) are strongly linked to him
Gonda himself has international club experience having played both in Austria and Portugal
In recent days he has spoken about needing more international team experience & J league training methods not being enough for him to improve to the next level needed to help Japan
These comments didnt go down well in Japan. Today he was on a morning news show and was speaking highly about Shimizu. Im not sure if this was just PR or if he means it.
My gut feeling is he will leave but at the same time im not fully confident enough to suggest buying him on Sorare now. Its one to watch and I will be posting info when I see it
Chances of leaving : 60%
Jubilo Iwata
Only joined Iwata midseason from Belgium
Fukuoka are rumoured to have put in an offer. After losing their left back to Hiroshima this does make sense. However, I have also read there are contract issues with him
Chances of leaving : 55%
Yuto is the most likely Iwata player to transfer to a J1 team. There have been several rumours linking him to teams including Shonan and Niigata
Yuto is a very creative player and works well on Sorare too. He has some very nice peak scores which is impressive for a struggling side. At the moment he is available for $85 floor price for his rare.
I want to get firmer info on a transfer, in particular which side and how likely he would be starting. Based on this info there may well be enough upside to warrant a buy
Chances of leaving : 70%
Uehara is another very creative player who was the main playmaker & corner kick taker for Iwata
He is a very consistant player who would work well for the new capped threshold team. His SR is $140 and its the type of player I think has good potential especially for this IF he moves. At the moment not seen many concrete rumours
Chances of leaving : 30%
Please note that Iwata are currently under a transfer ban which means they cant sign any new players. Players can leave and I am uncertain if they can renew contracts. They are currently appealing and if they lose, it could increase the chances of players leaving especially if they are out of contract
Finish
I hope you found this useful!
I am in general very cautious with buying players based on rumours or when a player is in the news as prices can spike/theres a sense of fomo! Saying that, last season I was able to pick up Matsuo and Iwao SRs at very good prices once I was confident enough of them transferring and their potential at Urawa.
The source I have been using recently has been very accurate so far and I will update Discord Patreon channel with news as he drops it.
If you have any questions in general just give me a shout :)