J-League first division side Montedio Yamagata have signed Brazilian player Maicon on loan from Rio Claro Futebol Clube of Sao Paulo, club officials said today.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, whose full name is Maicon Souza de Jesus, has signed a deal that runs from February 1 to January 1 next year, the officials said.

"I'm glad to have signed with Montedio Yamagata. I always hoped to play in Japan and finally I can play in Japan. I'm happy about it. I want to help the team as far as possible," Maicon said in a statement.

Yamagata finished 13th place in the 18-team top league last season.