Yosuke Ideguchi has confirmed that he one day wants to play abroad, with speculation continuing to grow about Leeds United’s potential move for the midfielder.
A report from TEAMtalk, quoting Ideguchi in the Japanese media, has revealed the 21-year-old’s desire to move away from Japan in the future.
Victor Orta, Leeds’ sporting director, revealed that Leeds were working on a surprise from Asia, with reports suggesting that they are pursuing a January deal for Ideguchi.
Ideguchi has now added further fuel to the fire, and has been quoted telling Hochi: “The desire to go abroad hasn’t changed, I think that the goal is there simply because I’m a footballer.”
The 21-year-old has excelled for Gamba Osaka in the J-League, and has played a major role for the club throughout 2017, making 29 appearances across all competitions.
Ideguchi has scored three goals from those appearances, and has added a further nine assists.
The central midfielder has represented the Japanese national team on four occasions, scoring one goal, which came against Australia last month.
Leeds are lining up a move for Ideguchi when the Japanese J-League finishes, which coincides with the opening of the January transfer window in England.
The Verdict
Ideguchi appears keen on a move away from Japan, which adds more substance to the rumours linking the midfielder with a move to England to link up with Leeds in the Championship.
Leeds’ supporters know very little about Ideguchi, but with the midfielder already a full international at 21, there is an indication that he could be a shrewd piece of business for the Whites.
Thomas Christiansen’s side have started the 2017/18 campaign magnificently, and adding the necessary quality to the squad in January could be key in the race for promotion.
Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!