Lyon announced on Wednesday the signing of Japan forward Keito Nakamura from Stade de Reims on a permanent transfer. The France Ligue 1 club confirmed a four-year deal, though financial details were not disclosed.
Nakamura made his World Cup debut this summer in North America, starting all four games and scoring Japan's first goal of the tournament in their 2-2 group-stage draw with the Netherlands. He featured in all four matches as the Samurai Blue progressed from the group.
"I'm very happy to join OL. It's a huge club," Nakamura said on the Lyon website. "I can't wait to play and make a difference in this new shirt." The 26-year-old will wear the No. 11 jersey.
Before joining Reims in 2023, Nakamura played in the J.League for Gamba Osaka and had stints in the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria with Twente, Sint-Truiden and LASK respectively.
The summer transfer window for the top five European leagues closed on Tuesday, but Nakamura joined under special rules in France that allow transfers between French clubs after the deadline.
Nakamura has 11 goals in 29 appearances for Japan since his senior debut in March 2023.
Lyon finished fourth last season and will compete in the Europa League this term. The club is aiming to end a 18-year wait for a Ligue 1 title. Nakamura will look to help the team achieve that goal.
