Football Season Guide

In 2024 missed out on a top 3 finish only on goal difference. Had the equal fewest defeats in the top flight last year – 8. Finished the season on a 4-game winning streak. All that bodes very well for the season ahead. The off-season wasn’t kind though. Star playmaker Dawhan moved to China, while after scoring 10 goals at age 21 aggressive striker Isa Sakamoto went to Europe. Both will be bitterly missed with Dawhan practically irreplaceable. Winger Kanji Okunuki is the only notable new signing that could become a regular. A closer look makes many worry about Gamba’s scoring record this season. Captain Usami and Tunisian Jebali are still there but both are now in their mid-30s so relying only on them to carry the load up front is a risky choice. Shu Kurata is also not getting any younger, he is 36-years-old now. Due to that a lot more responsibility will fall on Welton. The Brazilian had only 4 goals and 2 assists in 32 appearances last season. He will need to be much better now. Defensively Gamba were excellent last term, conceded only 35 goals in 38 matches. It wasn’t a surprise that all the main players of the back line stayed put. Shinnosuke Nakatani and Keisuke Kurokawa started every game last season and they will be vital players in 2025 too. To address the ACL injury suffered by another useful defender Genta Miura added experienced Shogo Sasaki to the ranks. He’s not likely to be starting much but can provide important cover when it is needed. Gamba’s main focus will have to be their home form. It has been an Achilles’ heel of theirs for some years now. Blue and Blacks haven’t been able to win more than half of their home matches in a campaign since 2020. They won only 4 of their last 10 home league games last season (3 draws and 3 defeats).