Vancouver Whitecaps sign Japanese striker Masato Kudo to multi-year deal

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed Japanese striker Masato Kudo to a multi-year contract, pending a medical exam and receipt of his international transfer certificate.

He was acquired on a free transfer from Japan’s J1 League side Kashiwa Reysol. Kudo, 25, is the team’s all-time leading scorer with 92 goals in 260 appearances.

“Masato has a very good goal-scoring record and we are always looking at adding to the group,” Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said Tuesday in a release. “He has a natural ability to find space in the box, which generates goal-scoring opportunities. He is technically good with both feet and, as always required, he is a hard-working player.

“Masato can play as a lone forward or in a partnership and is able to play wide when called upon. We are delighted to welcome him and his wife to our club and city.”

Kudo, a five-foot-10 Tokyo native, has two goals in four senior international appearances for Japan. He will be formally introduced by the Whitecaps in the New Year.

“I am thrilled to join Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the new season,” he said. “I am hoping to score as many goals as possible and help lead the team to victory.

“I am also really looking forward to playing in front of the great supporters at BC Place.”