Japan’s Yamaya ready to add bite to Geylang’s attack

Geylang International Football Club is delighted to confirm the arrival of Japanese forward Yushi Yamaya as it gears up for the upcoming AIA Singapore Premier League season.

The 22-year-old came through the ranks of the Yokohama F. Marinos youth system and played for the seven-time J1 League champions in the 2019 season.

The Kanagawa-born player made a total of 10 appearances in all competitions for Tricolor, finding the net twice in his debut season.

Yamaya then went on loan to gain first-team experience with numerous clubs including J2 League sides Mito Hollyhock and Yokohama FC and Kagoshima United in the J3 League.

Yamaya who can also play as the right winger, is expected to spearhead The Eagles’ attack as the club seeks to mount a strong challenge for the league title and qualify for the continental competition.

Yamaya said: “I’m very excited to join Geylang International, a club with such an amazing history. This is my first time playing abroad, but I know I have what it takes to succeed.

“I’m looking forward to helping The Eagles to achieve their goal this season.”

Head coach Noor Ali said: “We are delighted to welcome Yamaya to Geylang International. His arrival will surely add variety to our attack.

“He’s also an exciting player, so I’m sure the fans will enjoy watching him in action.”

Yamaya is the only foreign recruit signed by Geylang International as the club has retained the services of French attacking midfielder Vincent Bezecourt and Japanese duo – central midfielder Takahiro Tezuka and centre-back Rio Sakuma.

The trio were instrumental in helping The Eagles finish a respectable fourth place in the league last season.

Tezuka and Sakuma started not just in all 28 matches, but also played a maximum of 2,520 minutes of the season while Bezecourt missed just two of the team fixtures.

Bezecourt was the team’s second-highest scorer in the league with 10 goals, eight less than Croatian hotshot Sime Zuzul.

Bezecourt also contributed eight assists in his impressive debut for Geylang International after joining from Armenian side Alashkert FC.

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