Official | Borussia Mönchengladbach sign Shuto Machino | OneFootball

Borussia Mönchengladbach have officially confirmed the capture of Japanese striker Shuto Machino. The 25-year-old moves to the Niederrheiner from relegated Bundesliga outfit Holstein Kiel. Kicker reports that the transfer fee is a little less than initially reported, with Gladbach shelling out between €6m and €8m for the eight-times-capped Samurai international.

Machino serves as the second striker Gladbach have signed in the last eight days. Hoffenheim forward Haris Tabakovic was recently procured on loan. Machino, who can fill other roles besides that of a center-forward in attack, is designed to help the foals cope with the long term absence of German striker Tim Kleindienst.

In signing Machino, Gladbach have acquired a player possessing a positional skill set more akin to the departed Alassane Plea. The signing also likely puts to rest (albeit very loose) rumors linking Bayern Munich attacker Paul Wanner with a move to the foals. Bayern are known to wish to retain Wanner anyway.

“Shuto is a versatile striker who can play in various positions,” BMG sporting director Roland Virkus noted in a club statement. “He proved last season that he can rack up double-digit goalscoring numbers in the Bundesliga. We are therefore delighted that he has chosen Borussia.”

“I really wanted to join Borussia, so I’m delighted that the transfer has gone through,” Machino himself added. “Now I want to do everything I can to help the team as quickly as possible.”

GGFN | Peter Weis