Shillong Lajong sign Japanese striker Taisuke Matsugae

Shillong Lajong have signed Japanese striker Taisuke Matsugae as their fourth foreigner in the winter transfer window.

With former Liberian skipper John Menyongar leaving the club in November and then joining Dempo on loan in January, the north-eastern club have filled that vacant foreigner spot by recruiting this 30-year-old forward from Japan.

Lajong’s other foreigners are Nigerian duo Gbeneme Friday and Ebi Sukore and the Japanese-born North Korean defender Minchol Son, who has been one of the best foreign signings of the season.

Following the revoking of Mohun Bagan’s ban, Lajong, who are still awaiting Matsugae’s ITC (International Transfer Certificate), lie eighth in the I-League table and have scored only 14 goals in 16 matches.

Matsugae has previously played in Japan’s J-League for JEF United Ichihara and thus his experience will be useful for Desmond Bulpin’s youthful squad.