Urawa Reds on Sunday announced the transfer of midfielder Takahiro Sekine to 2.Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt.

The 23-year-old, who was promoted to the top team from the Reds youth academy in 2014, has three goals in 21 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League appearances this season.

“The club tried to convince me to stay, and it was a difficult decision to make as the team enters a period of great change,” Sekine said. 

“But through the support of my family, team-mates, staff, and fans my efforts have been recognised, and having received this chance to grow as a player I decided to take on this new challenge.”

“It will be sad to no longer hear the fans call my name at Saitama Stadium, but I will wear the support of Japanese fans as a badge of honor as I begin this new journey.”