Hannover, Germany (Sports Network) - Japanese defender Hiroki Sakai has completed a move to Hannover after leaving Kashiwa Reysol on a three-year contract.

The 22-year-old helped Kashiwa win the Japanese league title this past season, but his arrival in Hannover will be delayed while he takes part in Japan's 2012 Olympic campaign.

Sakai also scored the only goal for his side against Santos in the semifinals of a 3-1 defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Hannover finished seventh in the Bundesliga last term and will take part in the qualifying stage of the Europa League.

06/13 11:04:29 ET