LOS ANGELES (Friday, Jan. 5, 2024) – The LA Galaxy today announced that the club has acquired Miki Yamane from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale and signed the defender to a three-year contract through the end of the 2026 MLS season. Yamane, who will occupy an international roster slot, will be added to the Galaxy roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
Yamane, 30, joins the Galaxy having recorded 14 goals and 27 assists across 196 J1 League appearances with Shonan Bellmare (2016-19) and Kawasaki Frontale (2020-23). Notably, Yamane was named to the J1 League Best XI in three consecutive seasons (2020, 2021, 2022), and helped Kawasaki Frontale earn two J1 League titles (2021, 2020), two Emperor’s Cup titles (2020, 2023) and one Japanese Super Cup (2021). Most recently, Yamane helped Kawasaki reach the Round of 16 of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League after notching one goal and two assists in six AFC Champions League group stage appearances (5 starts).
“We are thrilled that Miki, a multiple J1 League and Emperor's Cup trophy winner and three-time J1 League Best XI honoree, is joining the Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz. “Miki brings a wealth of international experience at both the AFC Champions League and World Cup levels that will be invaluable for our team."
The Yokohama, Japan, native began his professional career with Shonan Bellmare, where he logged three goals and six assists in 118 appearances across all competitions (113 starts) and helped Shonan claim the 2017 J2 League title and the 2018 J.League Cup.
“We’re pleased to add a player of Miki’s pedigree to the team,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney. “Miki is an experienced defender with excellent composure and versatility in attack. We look forward to integrating him into the group in preseason.”
After joining Kawasaki from Shonan in 2020, Yamane logged four goals and six assists in 31 league appearances and won the J1 League in his first season with Frontale. During the 2021 campaign, his most productive season as a professional, Yamane registered two goals and led the J1 League with 12 assists in 37 appearances (37 starts), while leading Frontale to the Round of 16 of the 2021 AFC Champions League. The following season, Yamane notched three goals and four assists in 32 league matches played (31 starts) for Kawasaki in 2022.
At the international level, Yamane has recorded two goals and four assists across 16 appearances (12 starts) for Japan since making his debut for his country in 2021. Notably, Yamane started and played 62 minutes in a group stage match against Costa Rica in the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar. Additionally, Yamane was part of the Japanese roster that won the 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship.
Transaction: LA Galaxy acquire Miki Yamane from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale and sign the defender to a three-year contract through the end of the 2026 MLS season on Jan. 5, 2024.
Miki Yamane
Position: Defender
Height: 5-8
Weight: 160
Date Of Birth: Dec. 22, 1993
Age: 30
Birthplace: Yokohama, Japan
Last Club: Kawasaki Frontale (Japan)
Citizenship: Japan
