Michael Fitzgerald, 18, being offered a professional contract with third-placed club Niigata Arbilex. Fitzgerald, who hails from Auckland, New Zealand, has been in Japan for nearly three years and playing for Seiritsu High School Soccer Academy as a scholarship player.

After being spotted by a Niigata scout, he was invited to the club for a week's trial. He joined in first team training for a week and was then offered the professional contract.