Adelaide United captain Stephen Mauk has confirmed he is set to move to Japan as the Reds prepare to lose another key player following the exit of Ben Halloran.
Winger Halloran's move to South Korean top-flight club FC Seoul was confirmed on Monday and it now looks like Mouk is ready to join Soukeroo in the departure lounge at Coopers Stadium.
"I'm preparing for a Melbourne City game this weekend, but apparently there have been some talks with the Japanese team for a few months now," Mauk told the official A-League podcast.
"Hopefully the line will end with some last minute issues. Whatever happens, will happen.
"As a footballer you always have things going on in the background.
"It's been the happiest thing in my career, so it's been a really difficult decision and it's something that hasn't happened in a few days, it's been a long time."
Mouk joined the Reds in 2020 from Brisbane Roars and has made 56 appearances for the club.
The move would be the second time abroad in his career after an unfortunate stint at Dutch club NEC Nijmegen in 2016-17, where he made just three appearances before returning to Australia.
"Japan is probably the best country in Asia in terms of football," he said.
"When the opportunity comes, they are all technically sound players and I think the way I play can suit and compliment the style out there."