Captain of one of Asia's biggest clubs, Urawa Red Diamonds winger Takahiro Sekine has joined the Sky Blues on a three-year deal.
The Sky Blues announced 31-year-old Sekine's looming arrival on Thursday, a day after highly rated winger Lolley confirmed his move to rivals Newcastle on a two-year deal.
One of Sydney's most beloved international players, Lolley's fourth and final campaign with Sydney had been curtailed by a serious ankle injury.
The 33-year-old came on as a substitute in his 116th and final game for the club - Sydney's 1-0 grand-final defeat to Auckland FC.Â
Sekine is not expected to have any trouble filling Lolley's boots given his flexibility on both wings and his trophy-winning ways at Urawa.
He has won the AFC Champions League title twice (2017, 2022), the Emperor's Cup (2021), Japanese Super Cup (2022) and J-League Cup (2016) with the Japanese giants.
Sekine has also played against A-League sides, taking on Sydney and rivals Western Sydney in AFC Champions League matches.
Sekine is the biggest signing so far under Sydney coach Patrick Kisnorbo, who was awarded a three-year deal after guiding the club to the grand final on an interim basis.
"Takahiro is an outstanding footballer whose career speaks for itself," Kisnorbo said in a club statement.
"To captain one of Asia's biggest clubs, win the AFC Champions League twice and play more than 400 games in one of the strongest leagues in Asia demonstrates incredible quality, consistency and professionalism.
"What makes him even more exciting is his versatility.
"He can play across either wing, at full-back on both sides or through midfield, giving us outstanding flexibility while adding quality, intelligence and leadership to the squad."
Sekine leaves the J-League after 420 appearances for Urawa, notching 40 goals and 53 assists across all competitions.
He has spent the bulk of his career in Japan, after a difficult stint in the Bundesliga 2 and the Belgian Pro League from 2017 to 2019.
"I'm incredibly excited to join Sydney FC and experience a new challenge in the A-League," Sekine said in a club statement.
"Sydney FC is a club with a proud history, passionate supporters and big ambitions.
"This is a fresh challenge for me and my family, and I can't wait to get started and give everything for this club."
8°C