Maya Yoshida, a defender for the Japanese national team, has signed a one-and-a-half-year deal with the LA Galaxy, which will run until the end of the 2024 MLS Regular, subject to the club receiving his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.

Since making his professional debut in 2007 with J1 League team Nagoya Grampus, Yoshida, 34, has played in over 450 professional games in the top leagues of England, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands. He now plays for the Galaxy. Yoshida has accumulated 12 goals and 2 assists in 126 career appearances (120 starts) for the Japan Men’s National Team. He also contributed to his nation’s 2011 AFC Asian Cup victory. Notably, Yoshida captained Japan to the Round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and participated in three FIFA World Cups (in 2014, 2018, and 2022).

Greg Vanney, head coach and sporting director of the LA Galaxy, said, “We are happy to welcome Maya to the team.” “Maya is a superb center defender who offers our team great leadership abilities and experience. We’re eager to have him fully integrated into our team going ahead.

The product of Nagasaki, Japan, most recently appeared in 29 games (28 starts) for FC Schalke 04 in the 2022–2023 Bundesliga season. Yoshida started his professional career with Nagoy Grampus, a J1 League team, from 2007 until 2010. In 101 games played across all competitions, he recorded 11 goals and three assists. After that, Yoshida played for Dutch team VVV-Venlo from 2010 to 2013, making 63 appearances (60 starts) in all competitions while tallying five goals and two assists.

Following his time with Venlo, Yoshida signed with Southampton FC, where he played for the English team for 194 games (172 starts) and contributed four assists while scoring nine goals. After 154 Premier League games (136 starts), Yoshida finished his career with six goals and four assists with Southampton (2012–20).

Yoshida, who played in 13 starts and 14 games for UC Sampdoria during the 2019–20 Serie A season, was on loan from Southampton. During his three seasons (2020–22) in Sampdoria, Yoshida finished with three goals and six assists in 74 games (58 starts) in all competitions.

Agreement: On August 3, 2023, the LA Galaxy signs free agency defender Maya Yoshida to a one-and-a-half-year contract that runs through the conclusion of the 2024 MLS Regular Season.