Kashima Antlers confirmed Wednesday that Japan defender Atsuto Uchida will transfer from Union Berlin, marking his return to the J. League after 7½ years in Germany.
The German second-division side announced a day earlier it had terminated with immediate effect Uchida's contract, a deal the 29-year-old only signed in August.
Kashima, where Uchida started his professional career, did not disclose details of the deal but said he is scheduled to join his new teammates on Jan. 9.