Official: Hoffenheim signs Japanese international Hiroki Machida, with a transfer fee of 4.5 million euros

On Friday local time, Bundesliga team Hoffenheim announced the signing of 27-year-old Japanese international Hiroki Machida from Bijia team Saint Giros.

Hoffenheim announced that the club has signed Japanese international, 27-year-old central defender Hiroki Machida, and the player has signed a long-term contract. According to previous media reports, Hiroki Machida's transfer fee is about 4.5 million euros.

Hoffenheim Sports General Manager Schker said of the new player: "In Hiroki Machida, we found the kind of central defender we are looking for in this position. He is a Japanese national team player, he has international experience and is an absolute main player in San Giros' championship last season."

"He is an uncompromising defender who will not retreat when facing any confrontation. He also has excellent heading ability because of his height, he has a good global vision and accurate ability to play. We firmly believe that he will bring the stability needed to our defense with his performance and skills."

Hiroki Machida said to his transfer: "I am very happy to be able to join Hoffenheim. Hoffenheim is a very exciting and ambitious club, and the team competes in one of the five major leagues in Europe."

"For me, joining Hoffenheim and entering the Bundesliga is another leap in my career. I can't wait to start training with my new teammates. I will do my best no matter what, and do my best to succeed with the team in the future."

Hiroki Machida transferred to Saint Giros on loan from his hometown team Kashima Antlers in January 2022, and was officially bought out by the club in July 2023. During this period, he played in 114 games (a total of 4 goals and 2 assists). In addition to various domestic events in Belgium, he has also participated in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, UEFA Europa League qualifiers, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa League.