“I am very happy to join Nagoya Grampus, a big club with big ambitions,” Junker told his new club’s official website. “I can't wait, I'll do my best."

After netting against Lion City Sailors in the group phase, Junker scored twice in the Round of 16 victory over Johor Darul Ta’zim before equalising in the final minute of extra-time to take Urawa’s semi-final meeting with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to a penalty shoot-out, which the Japanese side won.

He leaves an Urawa side that will be led in 2023 by new coach Maciej Skorza after the departure at the end of last season of Ricardo Rodriguez. The Spaniard, who won the 2021 Emperor’s Cup with Urawa, left the club after a disappointing ninth place finish in the J1 League standings.
 

Urawa will find out their final opponents at the end of next month at the conclusion of the knockout rounds involving teams from the west of the continent, which kick off in Qatar on February 19 and conclude on February 26.