Gamba Osaka said Monday former Japan midfielder Akihiro Ienaga will return to the club on loan from South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai until the end of this year.
Ienaga, who played for Spanish La Liga club Real Mallorca in 2011, will be available in Saturday's J. League match at home to Omiya Ardija after passing a physical.
Ienaga spent the first four seasons of his professional career with Gamba, from 2004 to 2007.
Ienaga was loaned out to Oita Trinita for 2008-2009 and to Cerezo Osaka in 2010 before moving to Mallorca in January 2011 and Ulsan a year later. He saw limited playing time in Spain.
Ienaga has played in 12 matches for Ulsan, scoring one goal.