It was Nagoya's second signing recently following Australia forward Josh Kennedy's move from German Bundesliga side Karlsruhe as they look to add depth to the squad ahead of next month's Asian Champions League quarter-finals.

"I'm so glad that I have been able to sign with Nagoya," Santos said in a statement.

"I'll work hard to meet the expectations from the manager, team-mates and supporters here."

Santos is expected to be eligible for the team as early as August 15, when the J.League action will resume after the All-Star break.

Santos, who started his J.League career at Shimizu S-Pulse in 1997 before moving to Urawa in 2004, played for the Reds in 93 matches, scoring 11 goals.