Clareto Monsorate, Dubai

Japanese midfielder Shoya Nakajima will join his compatriot and defender Tsukasa Shiotani at Al Ain Football Club in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The 26-year-old joined Al Ain on loan from Portugal’s Primeira Liga’s top side Porto, the United Arab Emirates club said late on Saturday.

Nakajima had joined Porto in the summer of 2019 on a five-year deal after representing Qatari side Al Duhail.

However, during his stint at the Portuguese club, he was limited to 16 league appearances last season and only four this term.

“So pleased and proud to play for one of the best clubs in Asia,” Nakajima said on Al Ain’s official website.

“I am aware of all the local and continental challenges waiting for me while playing for the only Emirati football team winning the AFC Champions League title and a team with unprecedented and record achievement in the FIFA Club World Cup.”

Al Ain were runners-up in the 2018 tournament held in the UAE.

Nakajima said he was happy to join his Tsukasa Shiotani at his new club. The 32-year-old was Nakajima’s teammate at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics as an overage player.