Aston Villa announce new strategic partnership with Japanese side Vissel Kobe

Aston Villa have announced a new 'collaborative partnership' with Japanese club Vissel Kobe.

The J1 League side, who currently sit top of the division, join the growing V Sports global network of clubs alongside ZED FC and Vitória Sport Clube from Egypt and Portugal respectively.

Confirming the partnership of the club's official website a statement said that "Villa and Vissel Kobe will work to create a bilateral development framework for players and staff which will enhance youth development, alongside the cooperative sharing of ideas, techniques and best practice."

"The partnership will look to further open up pathways for talented Japanese players to play in Europe and, ultimately, at Aston Villa."

"This synergy between the clubs will also extend to first team level, with the exchange of technical knowledge and coaching methodology together with collaboration in the areas of performance, scouting & recruitment, data analysis and overall squad management."

"A senior delegation from Kobe will be visiting Birmingham at the end of the month to mark the start of the partnership and two of Vissel Kobe’s talented U16 players will also train with the Villa Academy for the duration of the visit."

"The new partnership will also see a Villa Academy team travel to Japan in 2024 to take part in an international tournament."