Borussia Mönchengladbach have signed 22-year-old Japanese international midfielder Zento Uno from Shimizu S-Pulse on a contract until 2030.
Uno began his career at Machida Zelvia in 2022, helping them to promotion to the J1 League before doing likewise with Shimizu S-Pulse following his move there in 2024. He was made captain in his final season with S-Pulse, making 17 appearances for the club in 2026.
Gladbach’s head of sports, Rouven Schröder, said: “Zento is a defensively minded, tactically disciplined midfielder who is strong in the tackle, covers plenty of ground and whose greatest strengths lie in his work off the ball. A move to the Bundesliga is the next step in his career, but also a demanding one.
“We believe that, with his character and determination, Zento has exactly what it takes to make that step successfully, and we are delighted to be able to support him on that journey.”
Uno, who made his Japan debut in July 2025 in the East Asian Championship against China, added: “I have always dreamed of playing in the Bundesliga. Borussia is a huge club and are very well known in Japan through the Japanese players who have represented the club.
“When the offer came in, I knew immediately that I wanted to play for Borussia. I am very happy to be taking this step and am looking forward to the new challenge.”
Zento Uno was captain at his previous club Shimizu S-Pulse. – IMAGO
Uno is set to join Gladbach for pre-season training on 12 July before the Foals face their first match of 2026/27 in the DFB Cup at Schott Mainz between 21 and 24 August.
Borussia, who finished 12 last season, start their Bundesliga campaign under Eugen Polanski the following weekend.
AloJapan.com