Shimizu S-Pulse said Wednesday that Japan striker Yuichiro Nagai will join the J. League first-division club on a full transfer from Urawa Reds.
The 29-year-old Nagai, who was named MVP of the Asian Champions League when Urawa became the first Japanese team to be crowned kings of Asia in 2007, scored five goals in 26 league matches in 2008 and has 51 career goals in 249 games.
Last year, Nagai frequently quarreled with former Urawa coach Gert Engels due to a lack of playing time.
"It is unfortunate that I have to leave the club this way but this transfer will help me in the next stage," Nagai said.