Kawashima plans Lierse exit

Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima wants to leave Belgium after spending two seasons with Lierse.

The 28-year-old Japan international has had nine clean sheets in 28 matches this season as captain, but his club has not measured up in attack, scoring just 24 goals and narrowly avoiding relegation.

“Basically I’d like to leave Belgium,” Kawashima told Nikkan after his team’s 1-1 draw against Mons.

“Regardless of the form it takes, I’d like to take the next step.”

The former Kawasaki Frontale goalkeeper’s contract expires at the end of this season, and Lierse have no plans to offer an extension.

“I don’t plan on returning to Japan,” said Kawashima, who has reportedly been the subject of interest from Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion, in denying a return to J.League.

“The life of a football player’s career isn’t long, and I don’t want to waste time. If I don’t believe in myself, new paths aren’t going to open up.”