Western United defender Tomoki Imai will remain with the Club through to a seventh season after committing to new terms with the Green and Black.
The new deal will see Imai remain in the West until the end of the 2025/26 season, meaning he will have played a part in the Club’s first seven seasons in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men.
After joining midway through the Club’s inaugural campaign in 2019/20, Imai has remained a regular at centre-back and the personification of consistency on the pitch.
Join Tomoki in getting behind the Green and Black with a 2023/24 membership
His 84 appearances – 82 of which have been starts – make him the third highest appearance-maker in the Club’s history and the highest among members of the current squad.
After committing himself to two additional seasons on his contract, Imai spoke of his love for Western United and his motivation to continue to succeed at the Club.
“I’m extremely happy to continue my journey with Western United. I’d like to thank everyone who has always supported me and my family,” he said.
“It’s a great pleasure and wonderful for me to be playing for Western United since the first season. I’m looking forward to building heaps of history together with this young club.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato hailed Imai as the ultimate professional and a key cornerstone of the Club’s culture.
“Since joining the Club in our inaugural season, Tomoki has played an integral part in establishing and driving the Western United culture,” he said.
“Tomoki’s character is reflected in the way that he plays, making him a favourite amongst the fans, his peers and the entire Club staff.
“We are grateful for the impact that Tomoki has had on our Club and we are delighted to be able to retain such an important player for the next significant chapter of our history.”
Imai played every minute of the 2020/21 season and won the side’s Player of the Season award before playing in 27 out of 30 matches in the following campaign to help United become Isuzu UTE A-League Champions.
The Japanese defender has epitomised the growth of the Club over the first four seasons and will be an equally vital part of the next three for the Green and Black.
Tomoki is behind the Green and Black, and you should be too. Become a member today and get on board for a special season.
