Montedio Yamagata have announced that Funabashi High School starlet Ayumu Nagato will join the club in 2016.

The 17-year-old striker was listed as a standout player in this summer’s National Interscholastic Athletic Meet, and has also been called up for Japan’s Under-18 national team.

“I want to work hard so that I can play as soon as possible and use my speed to contribute to Montedio Yamagata’s victory,” the player commented.

His Funabashi team-mate, midfielder Keiya Shiihashi, recently announced his intention to sign for Vegalta Sendai next season.