Leeds United are allegedly close to acquiring Sint-Truiden defender and Japanese international Daiki Hashioka.
The Whites have been destroyed at right-back this January with Tottenham’s surprise recall of Djed Spence, with Luke Ayling leaving on loan to Middlesbrough for the rest of the season.
With Daniel Farke short on defensive alternatives, Leeds have been looking for a new permanent right-back, and it appears that they have found their man.
According to HBVL, Leeds are close to reaching a formal deal to sign Hashioka, with the 24-year-old choosing a transfer to England over German clubs.
Leeds may have stumbled across a bargain this January as Farke aims to add fuel to the Whites’ promotion charge, with Sint-Truiden boss Thorsten Fink praising him as a ‘astonishing’ player.
Indeed, beating German clubs to Hashioka’s signature is a triumph for the Yorkshire giants, and the Japanese fullback might play a key role in Leeds’ return to the Premier League in coming weeks.
Daiki Hashioka may be one of Leeds’ better signings in recent time.
With seven caps for Japan and only 24 years old, there’s a lot to like about Hashioka, especially with Leeds looking for a right-back.
With Spence and Ayling going this winter, Leeds needed to confront the problem head on, and signing Hashioka could accomplish just that.
Hashioka has two goals and two assists this season, which is a great score for a right-back, and his numbers might skyrocket in the Championship at Leeds.
Furthermore, Farke’s style of play could be a good fit for Hashioka, with the Championship a league that could be ideal for the defender’s overall game, making the fullback a great bargain.