Albirex Niigata on Friday announced the signing of Brazilian forward Rafael Ratao on loan from Ponte Preta.

The 19-year-old arrived in Japan in late July and has been training with the club while waiting for the move to become official since then.

“It’s been a short time since I came to Japan but I’m enjoying life in Niigata and I’m grateful to club officials and my teammates for welcoming me so warmly,” Rafael said.

“I want to work hard in order to accomplish my goals.”

The pacy wide forward will effectively serve as Musashi Suzuki’s replacement in Albirex’s squad, after the latter was loaned to Mito Hollyhock on Monday.