Thursday 4 January 2018 10:02, UK
Leeds United have agreed a deal to sign Japan international midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi from Gamba Osaka.
The deal is subject to a medical and is expected to be finalised next week when the 21-year-old will travel to England with a view to completing a permanent move to Elland Road.
"I felt like I needed a new challenge, to help me develop further as a player," Ideguchi told a news conference.
"Hopefully I can deliver some good news to people back in Japan rather than have people wonder where I disappeared to."
Ideguchi, instantly recognisable with his bleached-blond buzz cut, must also resolve the issue of his British work permit before making his Leeds debut, having failed to make the required amount of senior Japan appearances to automatically qualify.
A statement from Leeds United said: "As the J1 League ended in early December, it is likely that Leeds United will loan Ideguchi out to Cultural Leonesa until the end of the season should the player pass his medical."
He has played just 11 times for Japan, scoring two goals, including one in the 2-0 home win over Australia last August that secured his country's place at this year's World Cup in Russia.
Ideguchi was also a member of the Japanese Olympic side at the 2016 Rio Games.
He becomes Leeds' second signing of the January transfer window, following the capture of defender Aapo Halme from Finnish side HJK Helsinki.
