Kagoshima United announced the arrival of the midfielderRiku Saga, 27 years old, on loan from Fagiano Okayama. The agreement is valid until June 30, 2026. During this period, the player will not be able to face his home club in official matches.
The transfer was confirmed by both clubs on December 29, 2025. Saga, born in Aomori, arrives to reinforce the midfield sector of the team competing in J3 League.
The athlete expressed enthusiasm about the change. Ele highlighted that his first game as a professional was against Kagoshima, and the atmosphere at the stadium left a strong mark on his career.
- Saga began his career in local clubs in Aomori.
- Passed by青森山田高校, one of the main formations of Japão.
- Proceeded to the仙台大学before becoming a professionalいわきFC.
Profile of the new reinforcement
Riku Saga measures 166 cm and weighs 64 kg. Ele plays mainly as a midfielder, with versatility for defensive and offensive roles. Sua experience covers lower divisions up to J1 League.
In 2025, Saga played only two matches for J1 for Fagiano Okayama, in addition to one in Copa for Sua time at the club was limited due to competition in the squad.
The player has a solid career in smaller divisions. Ele contributed to consecutive rises with theいわきFC, including titles in JFL and J3.
Complete trajectory of Saga
Saga started at 天王サッカースポーツ少年団 and went through ヴァンラーレ八戸 U-12 and ウインズFC. In high school, he was part of the winning squad of the青森山田.
At university, he stood out in仙台大学. Profissionalizou in 2021いわきFC, where he played all JFL matches and scored important goals.
In 2022, he helped win J3 with 34 games and 5 goals. Recebeu award for best eleven in the division.
- 2022:いわきFC(J3) – 34 games, 5 goals.
- 2023:いわきFC(J2) – 20 games, 1 goal.
- 2024: Dividido betweenいわきFCand Fagiano Okayama – 12 games in J2.
Player statements
Saga commented on the transfer in an official note. Ele mentioned the lasting impression of the initial clash against Kagoshima as a professional.
The midfielder stated that he decided on the change with determination. Pretende contribute to the victories of the new club with humility and dedication.
He asked for support from the fans. Enfatizou commitment on the field to repay trust.
General statistics in the J.League
Saga records 2 games in J1 without goals. In J2, he has 32 matches and 1 goal. In J3, 34 games and 5 goals.
In cups, there are limited participations. Total Seu reflects consistency at lower levels.
The arrival takes place during the planning period for 2026. The Kagoshima is looking for reinforcements to compete in J3.
Transfer context
The loan allows Saga regular minutes after a restricted season in J1. The clause prevents clashes against Okayama in official games.
Japanese clubs use loans for development. Saga returns to the room where it previously shone.
The change strengthens options in Kagoshima’s midfield. The team aims for high positions in the table.
Expectations for the season
Saga brings experience of ascensions and titles. Sua versatility helps in varied tactical schemes.
The player has known the Kagoshima stadium since his debut in the J.League. Isso facilitates adaptation to the environment.
Fans await contributions in assists and goals. Seu history suggests positive impact.
Recent club reinforcements
Kagoshima announced other signings for 2026. Inclui young people from universities and loan returns.
Saga integrates long-term planning. The focus remains on competitiveness at J3.
The team maintains a tradition of integrating athletes with experience in higher divisions. Isso raises technical level.
Career in detailed numbers
Here are the main records:
- J1: 2 games, 0 goals.
- Liga Cup: 2 games, 0 goals.
- J2: 32 games, 1 goal.
- J3: 34 games, 5 goals.
Saga scored his debut goal in the J.League against Kagoshima in 2022. Ironia now brings him as a reinforcement.
The midfielder turns 28 in May 2026. Período of the loan coincides with peak maturity.
