Japan midfielder Koji Nakata is to join Marseille, subject to a medical.
The 25-year-old will link up with former Japan coach Philippe Troussier at Marseille.
Nakata had a successful trial with Marseille recently but last week his club Kashima turned a bid from the French club.
“In the end, the chairman wished me all the best,” said Nakata after leaving Japan’s training camp ahead of their World Cup qualifier at home to North Korea on February 9.
“The terms of the contract are very fair and I want to repay those expectations.”
Japan coach Zico backed Nakata’s move to Europe, even though he will be deprived of Nakata’s services for North Korea game in Saitama.
“We will be without him for a while but that’s the way it is,” said the Brazilian.
“You don’t get chances like this every day, so he couldn’t afford to pass it up.”
