Sagan Tosu on Monday announced the signing of 18-year-old goalkeeper Akira Fantini on a full transfer from Serie B side Cesena.
As reported earlier this week, the Japanese-Italian prospect announced via Facebook that he would be returning to Japan after six years in Italy, where he worked his way through Cesena’s academy system to become the senior team’s third goalkeeper this season.
While Fantini is not expected to contend for the starting role for some time, he will have plenty to learn from Italian manager Massimo Ficcadenti as well as current first-string goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda, who represented Japan at the 2012 London Olympics.
“I’m happy to start this new adventure, and I will do my very best to adapt quickly and contribute to the team,” Fantini told Football Tribe.
The announcement came days after the closing of the J.League’s winter transfer window on March 31.