Western United Football Club can announce today that Japanese defender Tomoki Imai has signed for the club until the end of this season.

The right-sided defender links with the Green and Black after playing his entire career in the well-respected Japanese leagues.

There he played in both J1 and J2 and has also played in the Asian Champions League (ACL).

Imai also played alongside former Socceroo captain Lucas Neill at Omiya Ardija.

His most recent club was Matsumoto Yamaga, where he played last season in J1, appearing 18 times.

“I’m very happy to have joined this ambitious club. I would like to thank head coach Mark Rudan for giving me the chance to start my career in Australia. I’m here to work very hard and help the club,” the Japanese signing told www.wufc.com.au.

Western United head coach Mark Rudan knows Japanese football well having played two seasons at Avispa Fukuoka.

He said: “Tomoki has fitted in well to how we want to play and our values as a group. We look forward to seeing his contribution during the remainder of the season.”

Tomoki Imai details:

Age: 29

Previous clubs: Matsumoto Yamaga, Kashiwa Reysol, Omiya Ardija

J1 appearances: 76

J2: appearances: 12

ACL: 3

Born: Chiba prefecture, Ichikawa City

Nationality: Japanese