Summary:
Southampton have signed a Japan international player ahead of Japan's opening match of the 2018 World Cup in Australia.

Full article:
Japan defender Maya Yoshida has agreed a new three-year contract at Southampton, the club have announced. The 26-year-old has been with Southampton since August 2012, making 60 appearances and scoring three goals. Yoshida, who can play at right-back as well as in the centre, has now joined up with Japan ahead of the Asian Cup in Australia. Maya Yoshida (right), pictured with Arsenal's Theo Walcott, has signed a new contract with Southampton . Yoshida gets away from Chelsea's Filipe Luis (left) during Southampton's 1-1 draw with Jose Mourinho's side . Japan are set to play Palestine on January 12 and then have matches against Iraq and Jordan. Yoshida has played an important role under Saints boss Ronald Koeman this season, making 11 Premier League appearances and scoring once against Everton. The former VVV-Venlo defender came off the bench during Southampton's 2-0 win against Arsenal on New Year's Day, a result which kept them fourth in the Premier League table. Yoshida, pictured challenging Crystal Palace's Yannick Bolasie, has extended his deal until the summer 2018 .