Hotshot Nakano eyeing 'step up' with Asian move

Despite a virtuoso performance in Albirex Niigata's 5-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United on May 16, free-scoring striker Shingo Nakano's smile briefly faded after being denied the match ball.

- Jeremiah Ong

His second of three strikes in their Singapore Premier League (SPL) victory at the Jurong East Stadium was belatedly ruled an own goal from opposing defender Thorsten Cross. The 20-year-old Japanese was instead credited with an assist.

Such is Nakano's relentless appetite for goals that his focus has already shifted to finding the net in their season finale against Balestier Khalsa on May 25.

However, watching the fan favourite find the net in the SPL may soon become a thing of the past, as he hopes to build on a debut campaign here, in which he amassed 23 goals and three assists in 28 SPL games, and explore other opportunities in Asia.

Asked about his future, Albirex's top scorer, whose contract expires at the end of the season, said: "I am not sure yet but, if I can make a step up, I am going to the next country. Maybe somewhere in Asia. Malaysia, Thailand or Japan and after that try for Europe."

Their other imports – all Japanese – are also set to see their contracts expire at the end of the season.