Langerak leaves Spain for Japan in search of game time

Socceroos goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has joined J-League club Nagoya Grampus following a frustrating spell with La Liga outfit Levante.

Langerak

Mitch Langerak of the Socceroos in action during a training session Source: AAP

In a quest for more game time ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Langerak joins the Japanese outfit in a deal worth A$2.3 million, as reported by Cadena SER.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart shot-stopper joined Levante in August last year but his time in Spain was short-lived after the failed to nail down a starting role ahead of Raul, only managing one Copa Del Rey start.

It continued a frustrating time for the 29-year-old, who moved to Spain from Stuttgart where he also failed to make the first team after helping them win promotion from Germany's second tier.
Langerak revealed former Socceroos striker Josh Kennedy, who spent five years at Grampus, and his former teammate at Dortmund Shinji Kagawa, played a part in getting the deal across the line.

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity,” Langerak, told Grampus' official website. “I am very thrilled to come to Japan now. 

"I heard from players Shinji Kagawa and (Josh) Kennedy that they (Nagoya Grampus) are a big club and I will do my best in order to contribute to the points of the team as much as possible.

"I am waiting for the opening of the league and I hope to be able to meet the fans and supporters as soon as possible. I am looking forward to it.”

Grampus, one the most popular clubs in the country, returned to the top-flight after securing promotion at the end of last season.

And while Langerak hopes to slot straight into the starting line-up, ousting vice-captain Seigo Narazaki will be no easy feat.

The J-League season begins on February 24.


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
2 min read
Published 15 January 2018 9:08am
Source: SBS The World Game

Share this with family and friends