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Sporting chance for Japanese striker Tanaka

Group stage returnees Sporting Clube de Portugal have added forward Junya Tanaka to their squad, the 26-year-old arriving from Kashiwa Reysol for an undisclosed fee.

Junya Tanaka (left) in action for Kashiwa Reysol
Junya Tanaka (left) in action for Kashiwa Reysol ©AFP

Sporting Clube de Portugal have continued to strengthen for their return to the UEFA Champions League group stage with the signing of striker Junya Tanaka from Kashiwa Reysol.

Capped once by Japan, Tanaka, 26, has penned a five-year deal with the Lisbon outfit, who have not disclosed the transfer fee. The Tokyo-born player will gain his first experience outside of the J League, having scored 40 goals in 138 appearances for Kashiwa since making his debut in August 2009.

Sporting will feature in the group stage of Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 2008/09 after finishing second in the Liga, seven points behind SL Benfica.

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