The Central Coast Mariners have signed Japanese forward Kaito Taniguchi from J2 League side Albirex Niigata.
Taniguchi joins after 180 appearances over five seasons at Albirex in which he scored 43 goals.
The 30-year-old played in both the first and second divisions with the Albi, going up with the club when they were promoted as champions of the J2 League in 2022.
Taniguchi started his career at Gifu Kyoritsu University before moving to Iwate Grulla Morioka and eventually Roasso Kumamoto in J3.
His time at Roasso saw him win the 2020 J3 Golden Boot and earnt him a move to Albirex.
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Central Coast Mariners Sporting Director Matt Simon said the club are over the moon to bring in a player with Tangiguchi’s CV.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring in someone of Kaito’s calibre to the club,” Simon said on the club’s website.
“He is a striker who has played at a high level in one of the best leagues in Asia and we believe his experience and eye for goal will take our side to another level.
“Bringing depth and competition to this side was one of our goals this transfer window and we feel Kaito, along with our other new signings, will be able to do that as we continually look to improve this season.”
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Taniguchi himself said he’s excited about the opportunity to play for the Mariners.
“This is my first footballing opportunity abroad and I can’t wait to get to Australia and get started,” Taniguchi said on the club website.
“Talking to everyone at the club, this is a project that I’m excited to be a part of and I think my qualities and values match that of the Mariners players, coaches, staff and fans in what we want to achieve together this season.”
Taniguchi caps off a productive January window for the Mariners, joining Ali Auglah, Nathanael Blair, Chris Donnell and Oli Lavale as new signing on the Central Coast.
Taniguchi will be available for this Sunday’s match against Melbourne Victory at polytec Stadium.
