Koki Machida Set for Hoffenheim Move in €5 Million Deal

Japanese defender Koki Machida is set to join German club Hoffenheim from Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise. The deal is a permanent transfer worth €5 million, and it will provide a much-needed defensive boost to Hoffenheim after a difficult Bundesliga season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Hoffenheim have reached an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise to sign center-back Koki Machida. The 27-year-old played 49 games last season, leading his Belgian side to their first league title in 90 years. His performance impressed with his ability to lead the defense and strong presence for set pieces as Union Saint-Gilloise secured the Belgian Cup in 2024 for the first time in over a century as well. Hoffenheim will pay €5 million in transfer toward signing Machida after a season in which their defense shipped 68 goals and the team finished 15th in the Bundesliga, just a point above the relegation zone.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Hoffenheim’s defensive revamp comes after a disappointing campaign with the second most goals conceded in Germany’s top flight. The club has already let go of several underperforming defenders and brought in Bernardo from Bochum, but more stability is needed. Machida, a 17-time Japanese international, will join a growing number of Japanese talents in the Bundesliga, aiming to help Hoffenheim climb the table. Meanwhile, Union Saint-Gilloise lose a key player just after their historic double but will look to reinvest the transfer fee as they prepare for European competition next season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR HOFFENHEIM AND MACHIDA?

Machida is expected to sign his contract this week and join Hoffenheim during summer training. Hoffenheim’s first game of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign will be in August. They will look to improve on last year’s tally of 32 points, which saw them clinch safety by three points. Both teams will look to start strongly, but Hoffenheim’s immediate focus will be integrating Machida and other new recruits to ensure they tighten up defensively and avoid being pulled into another relegation battle.