Kashima Antlers have agreed to transfer attacker Hiroki Abe to Barcelona, the J-League first-division club announced Friday.

The 20-year-old, who made his senior Japan debut at the recent Copa America, will join the Spanish powerhouse pending a medical.

A skillful dribbler with strong attacking instincts, Abe has primarily played for Kashima as a left midfielder, but can also play on the right or as a secondary striker.

The Tokyo native joined Kashima out of high school in 2017 and was named the J-League's best young player the following year.

In a statement via the J-League club, Abe said he looked forward to the challenge of joining 26-time Spanish champions Barcelona.

"It was a difficult decision to leave (Kashima) mid-season, but I chose to make the move because I absolutely want to take on this new challenge at Barcelona," Abe said.

"The various challenges and hurdles I will face from now are crucial for my growth."

A likely selection for Japan at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Abe appeared in all three of the Samurai Blue's matches at the Copa America in Brazil.