KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia centre-back Dion Cools will become the first national player to feature in Japan’s top-flight football league after completing a permanent move to J1 League side Cerezo Osaka from Thai champions Buriram United.
Cerezo Osaka confirmed the signing of the 29-year-old defender today, stating that he will join the squad after completing national team duties as Malaysia prepare to face Vietnam in their second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers next week.
“Cerezo Osaka are pleased to announce that Dion Cools has joined the club from Buriram United FC (Thailand) on a permanent deal,” the club said.
“He has also been selected for the Malaysian national team for the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. He will be on international duty starting June 5 and is scheduled to join the club upon the conclusion of his national team commitments.”
Cools, who previously played in Europe for Club Brugge in Belgium and FC Midtjylland in Denmark, said he was looking forward to starting this new chapter in Japan.
“I’m truly happy to have the opportunity to come to Japan and Osaka, and I’m very grateful for this chance. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the staff, and all the fans and supporters as soon as possible,” said the heritage player.
“I will give my all to help the team win as many games as possible and achieve our goals. Thank you for your support.”
Since joining Buriram United in January 2023, Cools has helped the Thai side secure multiple domestic honours as well as the 2024/2025 ASEAN Club Championship.
Malaysia’s national team page, Malaysia NT, congratulated the defender on becoming the first Malaysian to sign with a club in Japan’s top league. — June 4, 2025