On Monday, Voetbal Krant reported Tottenham Hotspur are still interested in Kōki Machida, after failing to sign the Royale Union Saint-Gilloise star last summer. It was also reported the Jupiler Pro League side are aiming to collect €15m for him.
Tottenham’s interest in the centre-back is further backed up by Walfoot, who had a chat with him to discuss future options.
Machida has excelled for the Jupiler Pro League side this season and scored the winner in the cup final against Royal Antwerp earlier this month.
The Japan international’s deal lasts until 2026 and he’s ruled out a move to Italy, despite receiving interest from unnamed Serie A sides.
“Serie A is one of the best leagues in the world, but Japanese players have played little there. There was Keisuke Honda, now Daichi Kamada. It doesn’t work very well for the Japanese. I don’t really know why Serie A doesn’t suit us. Too tactical, too defensive, maybe. Italian clubs are also interested in me, I know, but to choose, I would prefer the Bundesliga, which is successful for the Japanese, he said.
Walfoot state the defender also wishes to play in the Premier League, where Tottenham have shown interest in him.
They further add that his wish to move to Germany or England ‘could well be granted’ in the next window. This could certainly come as a boost for Tottenham in their pursuit of Machida.
