Gamba Osaka striker Rafinha set for Ulsan Hyundai move after disappointing J.League season - report

Jun 29, 2012 3:50:00 AM

After scoring 11 goals for Gamba last summer, the Brazilian has failed to impress this season and could soon be plying his trade in the K-League pending a medical check

Gamba Osaka striker Rafinha could be traded to Korea's Ulsan Hyundai, according to reports by Sanspo and others.

After a season and a half with J-League Division 2 outfit Thespa Kusatsu, he 24-year-old attacker joined the Kansai club on loan last summer. Rafinha went on to score in his Gamba debut and eventually totalled 11 goals in 17 appearances, helping his new club finish in third place behind Nagoya Grampus and champions Kashiwa Reysol.

But Rafinha has showed poor form this season, scoring just three goals in ten appearances for the 16th-placed club. The return of goal-scorer Leandro from Qatar's Al Sadd on loan makes the move a necessity in order to comply with league limits on foreign players.

With both sides having already agreed on a deal, the transfer is expected to be announced following Rafinha's medical check and contract signing.

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