SIGNING UPDATE: Tottenham Hotspur are now showing an interest in signing Union Saint-Gilloise defender Koki Machida ahead of the January transfer window.
Ange Postecoglou has set his sights on another Japanese talent with Tottenham Hotspur now keen on Union Saint-Gilloise defender Koki Machida.
That is according to a report from 90min, who claim that Tottenham have been ‘impressed’ with Machida this summer.
Tottenham are likely to go for another centre back in January amid concerns over Micky van de Ven’s injury.
Another left-footed centre back as cover and competition for Van de Ven would be ideal, with Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly wanted.
Tottenham Hotspur keen on Koki Machida
Spurs could look further afield though with Union Saint-Gilloise defender Koki Machida now believed to be on the radar.
90min claim that Tottenham have been scouting Machida this season and have been suitably impressed.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou knows the Japanese market well having managed Yokohama F. Marinos before his move to Celtic.
Postecoglou brought Japanese players Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi, Tomoki Iwata and Yuki Kobayashi to Celtic.
Machida previously impressed with Kashima Antlers in the J1 League and will have put himself on Postecoglou’s radar back then.
Now shining in Europe, Postecoglou may feel that the time is right for Machida to make a big Premier League move.
LASK v Royale Union Saint-Gilloise – UEFA Europa League
Photo by Vincent Kalut / Photonews via Getty Images
Who is Tottenham target Machida?
Machida came up in the Kashima Antlers ranks and ended up making more than 100 appearances for the club, bagging eight goals.
Union Saint-Gilloise took Machida on loan in 2022 and turned the move permanent earlier this year.Mac
Machida has only recently become an important part of the Japan national team, only earning his first cap earlier this year.
Now with four caps to his name, it looks like Machida will Hajime Moriyasu’s side in the future.
Koki Machida player profile
Age: 26
Date of birth: 25/08/1997
Position: Centre back
Club: Union Saint-Gilloise
Former club: Kashima Antlers
Nationality: Japanese
Contract until: 2026
How Koki Machida fits in at Tottenham Hotspur
We can understand why Machida appeals to Postecoglou – and it goes beyond just being a Japanese player he knows from years gone by.
Van de Ven has been impressive in Tottenham’s high line because he has exceptional pace as well as a huge frame.
Machida fits a similar kind of mould; he’s a big presence at 6ft 3in tall and has impressive speed.
Machida is also left-footed, meaning he can operate in the same role as Van de Ven in Postecoglou’s back line.
Tottenham will be looking for competition without breaking the bank and Machida fits the bill at 26 and playing in Belgium.
This might not set pulses racing at Tottenham but we can understand the thinking behind Postecoglou looking in Machida’s direction ahead of January.
