Standard Liege sign Eiji Kawashima

Belgian giants Standard Liege have signed Japanese keeper Eiji Kawashima on a free transfer.

The highly rated shot-stopper was a free agent since his contract with Lierse expired in June and even though he was tipped to leave Belgium, the 29-year-old opted to accept an offer from Standard.

The experienced keeper announced on his blog that he had signed a three-year deal with the Reds last week.

“Standard are always one of the top contenders in Belgium and their supporters are the most enthusiastic,” the goalkeeper said.

“I’d been thinking what is the best way for me and I decided this is the most suitable for my life.

“It was a big challenge to play two years for Lierse and this is another new step forward. I feel happy about it.”

Kawashima joined Lierse on a free transfer from Kawasaki Frontale in the summer of 2010 after spending four years with the Japanese club.

The keeper arrived to Belgium following some impressive showings at the 2010 World Cup and he went on to win the Asian Cup with Japan in January last year.

After spending two very successful seasons with Lierse, Kawashima was linked with a number of high-profile sides, but he ultimately decided to remain in Belgium and signed for Standard.