🇯🇵 DONE DEAL: Yu Hirakawa signs! | Our first-ever Japanese Tiger

[Administrator]

Evening everyone,


The wait is over! The club has officially confirmed the signing of Yu Hirakawa on loan from Bristol City until the end of the season.


It’s actually a bit of a historic moment for us as he becomes the first-ever Japanese player to pull on the Black and Amber.


What are we getting?

• Versatility: He’s naturally a winger but Jakirovic has already mentioned he can cover the wing-back roles too. Perfect for the system we're trying to play.
• Match Fit: He’s played 27 times for Bristol this season (2 goals, 2 assists), so there’s no "pre-season fitness" nonsense here. He’s ready to go.
• Work Rate: Word from the Ashton Gate fans is that he’s a tireless runner with a great touch.

Straight into the squad?


The best bit is that he’s already trained with the lads today and has been included in the squad for the Preston game tomorrow night. Wouldn't be surprised to see him come off the bench for a 20-minute cameo to show us what he's got.


Personally, I think this is a tidy bit of business. We needed more depth out wide and he’s a proven Championship-level operator.


What’s your take? Is he the spark we need for the play-off push? Or are we still light in other areas?

 

[MarkHCFC]

Interesting signing from a recruitment perspective.

Japanese market is undervalued compared to European leagues. If the scouting department has identified him as someone who fits our system, could be shrewd business. Key will be adaptation period. Different league, different culture, different style of play. Needs time to settle and integrate into the squad.
At 23 he's at a good age - young enough to develop but old enough to contribute immediately. If he can provide pace and creativity in wide areas, addresses one of our weaknesses.

Withholding judgment until I see him play, but cautiously optimistic about this one.