Perth Glory have offset the loss of James Meredith by signing former Japanese international Kosuke Ota for the upcoming A-League season.
The 33-year-old defender has chalked up nearly 300 appearances in the J-League over the past 13 years, playing for the likes of Shimizu S-Pulse, FC Tokyo and most recently Nagoya Grampus.
Ota also spent two seasons in the Dutch Eredivisie for Vitesse and played seven times for Japan between 2010-2015.
One of those international appearances came in a friendly win over Australia in 2014.
His arrival helps fill the void left by Meredith, who has joined expansion club Macarthur.
"A-League football has been changing from a more physical style to a more tactical one and I can't wait to join, play in the team and hopefully help bring success to the club in both Australia and Asia," Ota said.
"I have visited Australia many times and the country is one of my favourites."
Glory coach Richard Garcia felt Ota would be a key player for the team.
"The fact that he can play as a left-back and left wing-back gives us even greater flexibility in terms of our formation and I'm confident that he will be a major contributor this season," Garcia said.
Glory were dealt a blow last week when centre back Alex Grant left the club to join Korean outfit Pohang Steelers.
Perth's A-League campaign begins at home to Adelaide on January 16.
Australian Associated Press
