Michael Olunga: Harambee Stars Captain Linked With Return to Japan after Al Duhail Exit
- Michael Olunga has been linked with a sensational return to Japan after announcing his exit from Al Duhail
- The Harambee Stars captain played for Al Duhail for over four years and leaves as their record goalscorer with 130 goals
- Former Kenyan international Titus Mulama told TUKO.co.ke that he wants to see Olunga continue playing at the top level
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has been linked with a move to Japan days after announcing his departure from Qatari club Al Duhail.
Source: Getty Images
Where will Michael Olunga play next?
Olunga has played in Qatar for nearly five years after spells in Sweden, Spain, China, and Japan.
He has been linked with a move back to Japan, with football journalist Kevin Teya mentioning Urawa Red Diamonds, the 2022 AFC Champions League winners.
The Harambee Stars captain played in Japan between 2018 and 2021 for Kashiwa Reysol, registering a remarkable 61 goals in 78 appearances. He won the J1 League MVP in 2020. That season, he scored 28 league goals.
Former Kenyan international Titus Mulama exclusively told TUKO.co.ke that Olunga had so much potential.
"He was a player with great potential. If he hadn't left Europe, I think he would've made it big because he was a great goalscorer, you could depend on," he said. "He left with an incredible record, a great reputation and also left a good reputation for Kenya. The team have achieved big things with Olunga."
"I just hope he continues playing because the national team needs him; he is a good striker. I hope he continues playing at a higher level. A return to Europe might be difficult, but considering his profile, he could get a club in Europe."
It remains to be seen what move the striker will take after leaving Al-Duhail.
How Olunga performed at Al Duhail
Olunga joined Al Duhail in January 2021 and quickly became a key player for the Qatari side. In the 2021/22 campaign, he won the Golden Boot.
Source: Getty Images
The former Girona star also helped the club win the league title in the 2022/23 season and won his second Golden Boot.
He hinted at his return to the club in future, maybe in a different role.
"Maybe one day I will come back and play in this beautiful club. Never say no. For now, I am alighting the ship, going outside of the ship, but it does not mean this is the end,” he said in a video Al Duhail posted on YouTube.
"One day, I want to come back to Al Duhail in a different capacity. Maybe as a player, at management level, as an official, or in whichever circumstances that may bring me back," he said.
Benni McCarthy did not include Olunga in his latest squad for friendlies against Chad in Morocco.
Victor Wanyama returns to Harambee Stars squad
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Victor Wanyama made his return to the Harambee Stars squad.
McCarthy included the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder for Kenya's friendly matches against Chad, set to be held in Morocco next month.
Wanyama last played for Kenya in 2020, but a new FKF regime and coach have convinced him to return. He has pulled out due to personal reasons.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
