Leeds United pulled out of a deal to sign right-back Daiki Hashioka in the winter transfer window, according to Phil Hay.
Writing in The Athletic (2 February), Hay revealed that the Whites believed they were on the verge of signing the Japan international and had even begun putting the paperwork together.
However, at the last minute, they pulled out of a deal to sign the 24-year-old after he picked up an ankle injury in action for his former club, Belgian side Sint-Truiden.
While the injury was “minor”, Daniel Farke’s side suspected it may become a recurring issue and opted against the signing, which opened the door for Luton Town to sign the defender for just under £2million.
Cover up?
It would be interesting to know whether this is accurate, or whether it is perhaps just an attempt at Leeds saving face after being beaten to a target by a club, who despite their Premier League status, would perhaps be considered “smaller” in size than the West Yorkshire side.
Hay detailed that Farke wanted players who would be available immediately, and only time will now tell if the German and Leeds made the correct decision to pass up on Hashioka.
Should he go on to feature regularly for Luton between now and the end of the season, and perform to a decent standard in that time, Farke will be left with egg on his face.
The fact that a Premier League club fighting for survival were willing to take the gamble on Hashioka demonstrates that he certainly does have the right quality, and Leeds will be hoping they haven’t missed a trick here.
In other Leeds United news, a doctor has revealed that one player at the club is unlikely to be at 100 per cent after recently returning to action.
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