Ryoya Taniguchi is a Tiger (Photo: Balestier Khalsa)

 

SINGAPORE, 28 OCTOBER 2021 – Balestier Khalsa are the first club to announce a new arrival for the 2022 AIA Singapore Premier League (SPL) season.

 

The Tigers confirmed on Wednesday that effervescent attacking midfielder Ryoya Taniguchi has signed for the upcoming campaign, moving on after two years with Albirex Niigata (S).

 

The 22-year-old arrived in Singapore in 2020 and made 33 league appearances for the White Swans, during which he scored 13 times and made 10 assists. The Kanazawa native had a breakout season this year, scoring nine times and registering eight assists as Albirex finished second, which led to him being nominated for the AIA Young Player of the Year and being named in the Team of the Year.

 

“I might face challenges during my first season in a local team,” Taniguchi said in a club announcement video. “I will do my best for the team so that I can grow as a player.”

 

 

“Last year, I was able to win the SPL title but regret to not being able to this year,” Taniguchi told the Albirex website. “I wouldn’t be able to experience this if I didn’t sign with Albirex in Singapore. I will be playing in another team next season and regardless, I will continue to show my skills and hope to light up the stadium with your support. Thank you very much for these memorable two years!”

 

Taniguchi’s arrival comes on the heels of Akbar Nawas’ appointment as the new Balestier Khalsa head coach, which was announced last week.

 

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