TSG sign Japan international Koki Machida

"In Koki Machida, we have found a central defender who possesses precisely the qualities we were looking for in this position,” said Andreas Schicker, TSG's Managing Director for Sport, of the new signing. "He has international experience as a Japan national team player and was an absolute regular in Royale Union Saint-Gilloise's title triumph last season. Koki is an uncompromising defender who does not shy away from any challenge. He also has a very strong aerial presence due to his height, has good vision and builds the play precisely. We are convinced that our defence will now have the desired stability thanks to Koki's presence and attributes."

"I'm very happy that it all worked out with my move to TSG Hoffenheim," said Koki Machida, reflecting on his transfer to the Kraichgau club. "TSG are an extremely exciting and ambitious club that play in one of Europe's top five leagues. For me, the move to Hoffenheim and the Bundesliga is the next step in my career and I really can't wait to get started with my new team-mates. I will certainly give everything in order to be successful with the team in the future."

Koki Machida initially moved on loan from Kashima Antlers in his homeland to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium in January 2022. He was then signed on a permanent transfer by the Belgian outfit in July 2023. In that time, Machida made a total of 114 appearances (four goals and two assists) for Union Saint-Gilloise in the Jupiler Pro League, the league play-offs, the Belgian Cup, Champions League qualification, Europa League qualification, the Europa League and the Conference League. In the 2024/25 season, he even helped Saint-Gilloise win the Belgian league title.

The 27-year-old central defender is a current Japan international and has represented his homeland on 17 occasions since making his debut in September 2023. Machida had previously progressed through all the youth ranks of the Japan national team setup.