Soccer / J. League

Brazilian striker Lopes to join Sanfrecce

Kyodo

HIROSHIMA – Sanfrecce Hiroshima have agreed to sign Brazilian striker Anderson Lopes on loan from Tombense, the J. League champions announced on Sunday.

Lopes will be counted on to plug the hole that will be left by Arsenal-bound Takuma Asano, who plays his final game for Hiroshima on July 17. Lopes’ deal is pending a medical, and will run to Jan. 1.

“Playing in Japan has always been a goal of mine,” the 22-year-old Lopes said after his first training session with Sanfrecce. “I hope I can succeed here like Zico.”

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