Japanese midfielder Yukiyoshi Karashima, a 2024 A Lyga champion, has completed a return to Lithuanian football after signing with reigning champions FK Kauno Žalgiris.
The 28-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2024 season with FK Žalgiris Vilnius, which earned him a move to Latvian champions FC RFS ahead of the following campaign. While Karashima registered three goals and four assists in 15 Virslīga appearances, his performances fell short of expectations, and he struggled to establish himself as a key figure in Rīga.
As a result, Karashima spent the final six months of the season on loan at Finnish giants HJK Helsinki, where playing time remained limited. He featured in just two league matches, unable to build momentum during his stint in Finland.
Now, Karashima returns to the league where he has enjoyed the most successful period of his career. Across four seasons in Lithuania, representing FC Hegelmann and Žalgiris Vilnius, the midfielder made 131 A Lyga appearances, scoring 17 goals. During his time in Vilnius, he lifted both the Lithuanian A Lyga title and the Lithuanian Super Cup.
Karashima began his professional journey in Japan before moving to Europe, where he also spent time with German lower-division side Hürth and Latvian second-tier club Dinamo Rīga, prior to his first spell in Lithuania.
His arrival strengthens an ambitious FK Kauno Žalgiris side, who claimed their first A Lyga title in club history in 2025. The club has already begun preparations for the new season, starting medical tests yesterday.
Source: https://zalgiris.lt/naujienos/fk-kauno-zalgirio-gretas-papilde-y-karashima
