The J1 League team Kawasaki Frontale traded right back Miki Yamane to the LA Galaxy, the team confirmed on Friday.

After signing center back Maya Yoshida last summer, LA now has a second Samurai Blue defender thanks to Yamane, who is signed until the 2026 MLS season.

General manager Will Kuntz said in a statement, “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.” “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 30-year-old Yamane has played in 290 all-competitions games, totaling 15 goals and 36 assists, during his professional career in his home country of Japan. In 16 appearances for Japan, including time at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he has scored two goals.

LA was looking for a right back going into the offseason after Calegari’s 2024 contract option was turned down. Mauricio Cuevas, a US youth international and academy product, is another candidate for the job.

The Galaxy’s 2024 season kicks out at home on February 25 against the highly anticipated Inter Miami CF (8:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). Alongside midfielder Riqui Puig, they might occupy two Designated Player places during the buildup.