PETALING JAYA: National defender Dion Cools has become the first Malaysian to sign with a J1 League club.

Cools, who turns 29 today (Wednesday, June 4), will join Cerezo Osaka from Thai club Buriram United.

"Dion Cools will bolster the squad as Cerezo Osaka prepare for the second half of the J.League season," said a statement from the club.

Cools' addition would be much needed as Cerezo have conceded 26 goals in 20 matches.

The Sakuras are currently eighth in the league with 29 points, just five points away from the top three spots.

Other Malaysians have played in the J.League, but plied their trades at J2 and J3 (second and third division) sides.

The last Malaysians before Cools to play in Japan were striker Luqman Hakim Shamsudin, who played for YSSC Yokohama, and midfielder Muhammad Abu Khalil for FC Osaka, both J3 clubs.