Newcastle United will play Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F. Marinos as part of their 2024-25 Pre-Season Tour.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies will face Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday 31 July at Saitama Stadium, Saitama, on Wednesday 31 July in a 7:30pm kick-off local time (11:30am UK Time).
Last season’s J-League runners-up Yokohama F. Marinos – managed by ex Liverpool player, Harry Kewell – then await Newcastle at Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, on Saturday 3 August at 7pm local time (11am UK Time).
The club have also confirmed that they will arrive in Tokyo on Sunday 28 July to commence preparation for the Urawa Red Diamonds friendly.
Speaking about the chance to take Newcastle to Japan as part of pre-season preparations, Howe commented: “We are pleased to be visiting Japan this summer. It’s an amazing country and it will be a unique experience for our players, staff and supporters.
“We will be taking on two strong teams at two special stadiums, and I’m sure they will present the type of physical tests we need at that time as we build towards next season.”
Newcastle’s Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Silverstone added that the friendlies offer a chance for Asia-based supporters to see the Magpies playing in-person ahead of the new season.
“Newcastle United has fan communities in Japan and across Asia, and this is an exciting opportunity for the club play in front of local and travelling supporters on an iconic stage as we continue to grow our presence globally.”
Silverstone added that the club’s new kit agreement with Adidas marks a chance to showcase their new kits in front of a country which has a “special connection” with “Japanese sport and culture,” which offers various marketing opportunities to expand the club’s growth.
Looking ahead to the rest of Newcastle’s pre-season plans, Silverstone confirmed that more friendly fixtures will be announced in due course, with view to playing in UK and Europe as has been common place in recent years – aside from a US tour last summer.
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