Football: Lion City Sailors Sign Kyoga Nakamura to Boost Midfield Ahead of 2026 SPL Title Push
- SportPlus News
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
29-year-old Kyoga Nakamura joins the Sailors after mutually terminating his contract with Thai giants Bangkok United, returning to Singapore football as one of the region’s most intelligent and technically gifted midfielders.
Singapore football powerhouse Lion City Sailors have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Singapore international Kyoga Nakamura, securing the experienced playmaker on a two-and-a-half-year contract that runs until the end of the 2027/28 season.
The 29-year-old joins the Sailors after mutually terminating his contract with Thai giants Bangkok United, returning to Singapore football with a proven reputation as one of the region’s most intelligent and technically gifted midfielders.
Kyoga Nakamura Returns to Singapore Premier League
Born in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture, Kyoga Nakamura first made his mark in Singapore after arriving from Japan’s J3 League in 2019. He debuted in the Singapore Premier League with Albirex Niigata (S) before becoming a mainstay at BG Tampines Rovers, where he accumulated the majority of his 141 SPL appearances across five seasons.
Nakamura left Singapore in June 2025 to join Bangkok United, making 17 appearances in all competitions before deciding to return to the Lion City, where he has long been regarded as a fan favourite for his relentless work rate and professionalism.
Proven Winner and Singapore International
Nakamura’s influence on Singapore football extends well beyond club level. Granted Singapore citizenship in November 2025, the left-footed midfielder has since earned 17 caps for the national team, playing a key role in Singapore’s historic qualification for the AFC Asian Cup on merit.
A four-time Singapore Premier League Team of the Year selection (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023), Nakamura brings composure, creativity and tactical intelligence to the Sailors’ midfield as they prepare for a decisive second half of the season.
Lion City Sailors Target Multiple Trophies in 2026
The Sailors remain firmly in contention on multiple fronts. The defending champions are bidding to retain both the Singapore Premier League and the Singapore Cup, while also targeting a maiden semi-final appearance in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup.
Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković praised the signing, saying Nakamura’s game management and positional awareness align perfectly with the club’s ambitions.
“Kyoga is one of the top players in Singapore football. His calmness, experience and hunger to succeed are exactly what we want as we push for silverware,” Ranković said.
Sporting Director Luka Lalić added that Nakamura’s arrival signals the Sailors’ intent to compete at the highest level while building for long-term success.
Potential Singapore Cup Final Debut Against Former Club
In a fitting twist of fate, Nakamura could make his Lion City Sailors debut in the Singapore Cup final on 10 January, facing his former club BG Tampines Rovers — a symbolic start to the next chapter of his career.
Expressing his excitement, Nakamura said:
“Singapore is my home, and I’m proud to represent the Sailors. This is a club with big ambitions, and I’m going to give everything to help us fight for every trophy.” #LionCitySailors #SPL #SgFootball