Jamshedpur FC sign Japanese midfielder Rei Tachikawa

Jamshedpur FC have signed Japanese sensation, Rei Tachikawa for the upcoming season, the club has announced on Monday.

The 25-year-old midfielder will join from Maltese side Sirens FC, where he made 23 appearances last season and scored two goals. The Japanese player brings plenty of experience playing in the Maltese Premier League, with a previous two-year stint at Santa Lucia from 2019-202.

Born in Japan, Rei made his name in Europe after leaving local club Osaka Uni H&SS in 2018 to join Portuguese side Perafita. A move to fellow Portuguese side Felgueiras soon followed, before his love affair with the country of Malta began in 2019 as he moved to Santa Lucia.

“I’m so excited to finally come to Jamshedpur FC,” said Rei Tachikawa on joining the Men of Steel.

“The club has proved its worth on a national stage by winning trophies and entertaining fans, and I’m very happy to finally be here. The culture of India and Jharkhand is unique and special and playing football here is a challenge that I welcome with open arms. I’m sure that I can help the team win even more this season.”

Versatility is something that Tachikawa brings in spades to Jamshedpur. A midfielder by design, he can also operate in several attacking positions across the park to supplement the team’s attack, making him a nuisance in the opposition’s half.

“Rei Tachikawa is a player that people will sit up and take notice of,” said Jamshedpur FC Head Coach Scott Cooper.

“He is a technical and high-tempo player who can get forward and score goals with both feet as well as his head. His passing game is good, and he is very competitive. He has played in Europe too and I think he will be an excellent signing for us.”

The club can also confirm that Rei will don the number 8 shirt for the Men of Steel in the upcoming campaign.