Midfielder Naoya Uozato joins J3 side Gainare Tottori on a permanent basis, Cerezo Osaka confirmed today.

Uozato joined Cerezo Osaka this year after graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University, where he entered after playing at Cerezo Osaka U-18. The 23-year-old, whose strength lies in his speed, has played 18 games and scored a goal for the U-23 team this season so far.

Leaving a team after less than a year since joining is unusual, and his case is way more unusual because this is the first season for him to join and play at a professional level. What happened behind the scene remains to be seen, but a rumor says his contract with Cerezo is amateur and this means Tottori want him on a professional basis.

Good luck at Tottori, Sakana!