Kawashima Signing Secured

Dundee United have secured, subject to international clearance, the signing of Japanese international goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima. The vastly experienced stopper joins the Club initially until the end of the season and will train with his new team mates upon his arrival in the UK in the next few days. He becomes the fourth major signing brought in by Head Coach Mixu Paatelainen as United pursue the clubs above them in the Ladbrokes Premiership. Eiji, who will wear the number 1 jersey for United, has starred for Japan at the 2010 and 2014 world cups and played 72 times for his national team. He has most recently played his club football for Standard Liège in Belgium, leaving there at the end of his three-year contract in the summer of 2015. One of the most recognisable football stars in the Japanese game, Eiji said, “Finally I'm able to join to Dundee United. I'm delighted to join this Club. “I will try to do all my best with my fighting spirit and my ambition as a player. I hope that I can bring something different to the squad and use my experience as well. I'm looking forward to wearing the Dundee United jersey on the pitch soon." Mixu Paatelainen said, “I am delighted that we have secured Eiji’s signature. It has taken a bit longer than any of us would have liked but this is a fantastic coup for the Club. “Eiji will strengthen the competition in the goalkeeper’s position. He is a seasoned professional who has played at major tournaments and this experience will help our young goalkeepers also. He is a strong character who has shown great desire to play for Dundee United and I look forward to working with him.”