SAINTS have sealed the signing of FC Tokyo captain Kuryu Matsuki, with the Japanese midfielder moving immediately on loan to Goztepe.

Japanese under-23 international Matsuki, 21, has signed a four-year deal at Staplewood ahead of transferring to the Sport Republic sister club.

Matsuki becomes the third player from Japan to sign for Saints in the last month, following Yukinari Sugawara, 24, and Rento Takaoka, 17.

An AFC Youth Player of the Year, he has made 71 appearances in the J League since making his debut at 18 years old, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists.

A Saints statement said: "An energetic ball-winning midfielder with an eye for goal, we look forward to monitoring Kuryu’s progress with Göztepe and welcoming him to the Southampton family."

Matsuki will head to Goztepe on loan for the 2024/25 season, where he will compete in the top tier of Turkish football following the club's promotion.

Sport Republic co-owner Rasmus Ankersen is the chairman at the Izmir-based outfit, who became the investment firm's second club in 2022.

Matsuki trained with French giants Lyon in 2021 and was set for a move to Europe, before deciding to stay in his native country with FC Tokyo.

He claimed the influence of former Inter Milan ace Yuto Nagatomo, who moved to FC Tokyo towards the end of his career, was a big factor in his decision.

Matsuki helped Japan's under-23s to win the Asian Cup earlier this year, appearing in all six matches of the tournament.

In a statement to FC Tokyo, Matsuki said: "First of all, I would like to thank the club and my teammates for supporting my challenge, even though it was during the season.

"I learned so much during these two and a half years in Tokyo and I was really happy during these two and a half years.

"I would like to continue taking on new challenges in my own way, making use of the various experiences I have had in Tokyo.

"I will continue to support Tokyo, so I would be happy if you would support me as well. I'm really thankful to you!"