“I can’t wait to meet all the fans, I will give my all for the team in every match,” Mizunuma told Newcastle’s official website. “It is my aim to compete and grow together with this team. I am looking forward to seeing all the fans in the stadium.”

Mizunuma was a member of the F Marinos side that won the J1 League title in 2022 under Kevin Muscat having previously claimed the J.League Cup and the Emperor’s Cup in 2017 with Cerezo Osaka.

The midfielder, who has played twice for Japan, started his career with F Marinos in 2008 before spells with Sagan Tosu, FC Tokyo and Cerezo. He returned to Yokohama in 2020.

“Kota is a player who brings a wealth of experience and quality to our side,” said Newcastle coach Rob Stanton.

“He’s very versatile in the final third and will add a unique style to our attack. His resume speaks for itself, and he is a winner. I’m so happy to bring him here to Newcastle.”

Mizunuma also featured in five of F Marinos’ six matches in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite and the club will resume the league phase of the competition in February with matches against Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Port.