Urawa Reds are close to acquiring Yokohama F. Marinos striker Quenten Martinus for the 2018 season, Football Tribe Asia has learned.
The Curacao international would give the Saitama Stadium residents yet another weapon up front as they attempt to follow up their AFC Champions League victory with their first J1 League title since 2006.
The Reds are eager to put the US $3 million purse awarded as a result of their win over Al Hilal to good use, with Martinus as well as Vissel Kobe defender Takuya Iwanami on the watchlist according to Japanese media.
But an official with knowledge of the move has told Football Tribe that an offer for Martinus has not only been made, but is likely to be accepted as the J.League’s off-season transfer market begins in earnest.
The 26-year-old is tied for second-best in the squad this season with five goals from 29 appearances. F. Marinos, who earlier this month announced that manager Erick Mombaerts will depart following the current J1 season, fell to sixth place with a 2-2 draw at Vegalta Sendai on Sunday.
