LOS ANGELES (August 16, 2026) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has agreed to transfer defender Miki Yamane to Japanese J1 League side Urawa Red Diamonds for an undisclosed fee.
"Miki has been a tremendous representative of the Galaxy during his time in Los Angeles,” said Will Kuntz, General Manager, LA Galaxy. “He played an integral role in our 2024 MLS Cup championship run and has represented the Galaxy with tremendous class both on and off the field throughout his time with the club. We are grateful for everything Miki has given to the Galaxy and wish him and his family all the best as he begins this next chapter of his career back in Japan.”
Yamane, 32, concludes his stint with the Galaxy with a goal and 16 assists in 7,583 minutes across 99 appearances for LA since joining the side in 2024. Prior to his arrival in the states, Yamane recorded 14 goals and 27 assists across 196 J1 League appearances with Shonan Bellmare (2016-19) and Kawasaki Frontale (2020-23). Notably, Yamane was named to the J1 League Best XI in three consecutive seasons (2020, 2021, 2022), and helped Kawasaki Frontale earn two J1 League titles (2021, 2020), two Emperor’s Cup titles (2020, 2023) and one Japanese Super Cup (2021). Internationally, Yamane has recorded two goals and four assists in 16 appearances (12 starts) for Japan since making his debut for his country in 2021.
Yamane made his senior debut for the Japan National Team on March 25, 2021, in a friendly against South Korea, scoring the opening goal in the 16th minute of a 3-0 victory. He was later named to Japan's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Across 16 international appearances, Yamane recorded two goals and four assists.
Transaction: The LA Galaxy has agreed to transfer defender Miki Yamane to J1 League side Urawa Red Diamonds for an undisclosed fee.
