J-League first-division champions Yokohama F Marinos officially announced the transfer Saturday of goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka to Vancouver Whitecaps FC of North America's Major League Soccer.
The 26-year-old Takaoka played all 34 league matches in Marinos' title-winning campaign last year and was named in the J-League Best XI for the first time in his career.
According to the Whitecaps, Takaoka's contract runs until next year, with an option for a one-year extension.
"I'm ready to prove I have chosen the right path," Takaoka said in a statement from Marinos.
Takaoka joined Marinos late in 2020 after stints with Yokohama FC and Sagan Tosu.
Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said the goalkeeper brings a "winning mentality" to the club, which finished ninth in MLS' 14-team Western Conference last season.
"When we learned Yohei was an option, we acted quickly," Schuster said.
