Former Celtic, Kilmarnock, Ross County and Hibernian midfielder Jackson Irvine has completed a move to J-League side Cerezo Osaka from Bundesliga outfit St. Pauli. 

Irvine, who has represented Scotland at youth level spent five years in Germany after departing Hibernian in 2021, captaining St. Pauli in their return to the Bundesliga in 2024. The midfielder has 86 caps for Australia, including playing at the last three World Cups.

The midfielder began his senior career at Celtic and spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Kilmarnock. He’d then move north to Ross County on loan, before making the move permanent a year later. Irvine would win the League Cup in 2016 and move to England that same year. Contractual disputes amid COVID saw Irvine return to Scotland with Hibernian, spending half a season in Edinburgh as Jack Ross’ side finished third.

Upon completing his move, Irvine said: “I’m incredibly excited to be coming to the hottest football nation in the world and joining a new league and a club with huge potential. I hope I can use my experience and quality to help the team become even better. I’m also looking forward to experiencing a new culture and a new way of life. Let’s achieve success together!”

On the official Bundesliga website, the St. Pauli director of sport, Andreas Bornemann said: “After returning from the World Cup, Jackson approached us with the request to move to Japan.

“We thank ‘Jacko’ for his dedication over the past few years and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

It remains uncertain how long Irvine’s contract in Osaka lasts, but at 33-years-old, he could be expected to wind his career down in Japan.