Kaya-Iloilo’s recruitment is in full swing.
After picking up local stars Jhan Jhan Melliza and Fitch Arboleda, the LBC-backed club disclosed that it has beefed up its ranks with the addition of midfielder Ryo Fujii.
“The dynamic 24-year-old midfielder brings great technical ability and valuable experience playing in the United States and in Sweden,” read the club’s statement.
“Capable as a deep-lying playmaker, and as a dangerous link to the attack, Ryo Fujii adds a unique dynamism to a midfield that already boasts Marwin Angeles, Arnel Amita, Dylan de Bruycker, and Masanari Omura.”
After his birth in Hong Kong to a Japanese father and Korean mother, the 5-foot-10 midfielder learned the tricks of the trade while growing up in the United States. There, he was part of the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA youth systems. He then eventually played senior-level football with LA Galaxy II and Nykopings BIS in Sweden.
While Fujii will now play for Kaya, the club is not the first Filipino team that he signed up to join. Previously, he agreed to a deal with the now-defunct Global back in early 2020, only for the contract to be scrapped following its exit from the Philippines Football League.
“Although still in Japan due to the current restrictions barring foreigners from entering the Philippines, Ryo expressed his enthusiasm to begin his Kaya career,” furthered the statement.
“I’m really excited to be a part of Kaya FC for this upcoming season. I can’t wait to see you all soon. Una Kaya!”
Kaya hopes that Fujii will bring an immediate impact to the team, since it will compete in the preliminary round of the 2021 AFC Champions League and the upcoming PFL season.
