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<\/p>\nMelbourne City FC is excited to announce the signing of experienced Japanese attacker, Takeshi Kanamori, who has put pen to paper on a two-year deal following a permanent transfer from J1 League club Avispa Fukuoka.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 31-year-old arrives in Melbourne with 400 professional appearances and a decorated CV that includes an AFC Champions League title, a Japanese Super Cup, and Japanese League Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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A versatile and technically gifted attacker, Kanamori brings a wealth of experience and attacking quality to strengthen Aurelio Vidmar\u2019s squad ahead of the 2025\/26 A-League Men\u2019s campaign and upcoming AFC Champions League Elite tournament.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kanamori enjoyed two successful spells at Avispa Fukuoka, where he made 309 appearances and scored 40 goals.<\/p>\n
He also spent time at Japanese powerhouse Kashima Antlers \u2013 where he lifted the AFC Champions League and Super Cup \u2013 and Sagan Tosu, amassing more than a decade of top-flight experience in Japan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Known for his intelligent movement, penetrating runs, and tireless work ethic, Kanamori is a strong tactical fit who will provide valuable depth and versatility across the front third.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTakeshi is a fantastic addition to our squad, a player with high-level experience whose technical attributes seamlessly align with our style of play.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHis ability to stretch defences, create depth with his runs, and his commitment off the ball make him a great fit for our attacking system. He also brings leadership and a winning mentality, having played at the highest level in Asia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWith his AFC Champions League experience, we believe Takeshi will be an important asset as we prepare for both our ACL Elite campaign and the upcoming A-League Men\u2019s season.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Takeshi Kanamori had the following message:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTo Melbourne City FC\u2019s fans, staff and the whole community,\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMy name is Takeshi Kanamori and I\u2019ve just transferred from J.League\u2019s Avispa Fukuoka. Please call me Takeshi!\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m truly happy to be joining this wonderful club. I\u2019ll do my best, putting all the experience I\u2019ve gained so far into this project, aiming to not only win the Championship for the second time in a row, but also to win the ACL together.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to meeting you all very soon! Thank you for your support!\u201d<\/p>\n
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