V-Varen Nagasaki Sign Thailand U20 Goalkeeper Poomraphee for J.League

Kashima Gakuen shot-stopper, 18, to turn professional in Japan from January 2027

V-Varen Nagasaki have announced the signing of Thailand U20 goalkeeper Poomraphee Siribunyakul from Kashima Gakuen High School. The 18-year-old will begin his professional career in Japan on 1 January 2027.

Poomraphee made his name in Japan earlier this year, helping Kashima Gakuen reach the final of the 104th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, the school’s best-ever result. Kashima Gakuen lost the final to Kamimura Gakuen, but the goalkeeper was widely praised for his saves throughout the tournament, including a penalty stop in the final. Thai media reported that he was the first Thai to take a team to the final of the competition.

He moved to Japan in 2024 to enrol at Kashima Gakuen, in Ibaraki Prefecture. Jiji Press reported in February that he wanted to turn professional as soon as he graduated from high school.

Nagasaki, who are in the J1 League, sit 14th in the table after nine matches this season. They have won two, drawn three, and lost four, for a total of nine points.

Credit Photo : FA Thailand