Japan international defender Tomoya Andō joins St. Pauli

St. Pauli have announced the signing of three-time Japan international defender Tomoya Andō.

Andō makes the switch to Pauli's Millerntor-Stadion after making 42 competitive appearances for Avispa Fukuoka in 2025.

The 26-year-old centre-back, who also helped Japan win the 2024/25 East Asian Championship, has signed an undisclosed deal.

"I'm looking forward to working with Tomoya. He's well coached, attentive and not tied to one position," said Pauli head coach Alexander Blessin. "We're getting a player with great anticipation, who defends on the front foot and wins the ball back frequently. He also has explosive acceleration and an aerial threat that makes him dangerous in attack."

Andō played in 35 J1 League games for Avispa Fukuoka. - Imago

As well as representing Japan at senior international level and Fukuoka in the 2025 J1 League, Ando has played in his country's second and third tiers and domestic cup competitions.

"Tomoya's signing gives our defence extra flexibility, as he can play in any position in a back three," commented Pauli sporting director Andreas Bornemann. "In recent years, he's always adapted very quickly to higher levels of competition and has developed into a national team player. That's why we're convinced that he can play an important role for us right away."

Andō could make his Bundesliga debut when Pauli resume their fight for top-flight survival at home to RB Leipzig on 10 January 2026.

With 19 rounds of regulation fixtures remaining, the Hamburg-based team sit two points adrift of outright safety, in the relegation play-off position.

"The move to the Bundesliga is an important step for me, and I think now is the perfect time for it" said Andō. "I'm looking forward to the new team, the new challenge and the fact that it will all start again soon."

About the clubs

FC St. Pauli

Millerntor-Stadion