Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu has turned down interest from Malaysia and set his sights on managing a European club after his contract with the Japan Football Association expires in February 2027.

Representatives for Moriyasu said on October 18 they "dismissed recent reports suggesting that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) had formally approached the Japanese coach for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers." Moriyasu intends to coach at a European club rather than continuing his tenure within international football.

The 58-year-old has been in charge of the Samurai Blue since 2018. His current deal with the JFA is scheduled to conclude on February 28, 2027, following the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. His annual salary is estimated to exceed a certain amount.

Malaysia, currently ranked 133rd in the world and banned from the 2027 Asian Cup due to sanctions involving ineligible players, is seen as highly unlikely to meet Moriyasu's substantial financial demands. The Harimau Malaya are currently led by interim manager Tan Cheng Hoe.

Moriyasu's ambition is reportedly to become the first Japanese coach to take charge of a top-flight European club. Belgian side Sint-Truidense VV, owned by a Japanese company and a known destination for Japanese players, is among the potential destinations. The club's chief executive had shown interest in bringing Moriyasu aboard after the 2022 World Cup, but no decision on his future has been confirmed.

For now, Moriyasu's commitment remains with the national team as they prepare for the Asian Cup. The side is in strong form, unbeaten in their last four matches with three wins and a draw. Their most recent result was a 2-1 victory over New Zealand on October 5, with goals from Ayase Ueda in the 28th minute and Ritsu Doan in the 71st. This followed a 0-0 draw with Ecuador on October 1, a 2-1 win over Venezuela on September 28, and a 3-1 victory against Uruguay on September 24. The next major challenge is a high-profile friendly against Brazil at home on November 14, a rematch of their 2-1 loss from June 29. The upcoming fixtures are tough, but the team carries momentum.

His immediate focus is the final months of his JFA tenure, with a historic move to Europe waiting on the horizon.

Background and full detail: VnExpress International Sports