Phil Hay shares four-word update on Leeds United and ……….

When the Japanese international was left out of St. Truiden’s matchday squad on January 28, there were rumors that the Whites had struck an agreement with him over a January move. Some even said that he was on his way to Elland Road to finalize the transaction [David Van den Broeck, 28 January].

But now it seems that wasn’t the case, as writer Hay from The Athletic suggests that the 24-year-old will really be joining Luton Town in the Premier League, not Daniel Farke’s squad at Elland Road.

Leeds United has to bring in a new full-back during the January transfer window because their departing business this month has left Farke severely lacking in defensive cover.
Allowing Luke Ayling and Djed Spence to go within a few days of each other seems brave at first, but if the Whites don’t bring in a replacement right-back, it might prove to be a very foolish move come campaign’s halfway point.
Archie Gray has demonstrated his ability to fill that position, and Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton are also more than capable defenders on the right. However, each of them has flaws of their own and cannot be counted on throughout the season.

Hopefully, Farke and his hiring staff will have another target they can swiftly turn to, as it appears they lost out on Hashioki. If not, this may be a serious setback for chances of an automatic promotion.