Phil Hay shares four-word update on Leeds United and Daiki Hashioki transfer speculation

In light of a recent development in the race, Phil Hay has provided a four-word update on the rumors connecting Daiki Hashioki to a January move to Leeds United.

When the Japanese international was left out of St. Truiden’s matchday squad on

January 28, there were rumors that the Whites had struck an agreement with

him over a January switch. Some even suggested that he was on his way to

Elland Road to finalize the transaction [David Van den Broeck, 28 January].

But now it seems that wasn’t the case, as journalist Hay from The Athletic suggests that the 24-year-old will actually be joining Luton Town in the Premier League, not Daniel Farke’s squad at Elland Road.

Writing on X on Sunday (28 January) he said: “He’s going to Luton.”

Worrying miss

Leeds United need a new full-back during the January transfer window as they have currently left Farke incredibly short of defensive cover with their outgoing business this month.

Allowing Luke Ayling and Djed Spence to go within a few days of each other

appeared brave at first, but if the Whites don’t bring in a replacement right-back,

that could prove to be a very foolish move come campaign’s halfway point.

Archie Gray has demonstrated his ability to fill that position, and Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton are also more than capable defenders on the right. However, each of them has flaws of their own and cannot be counted on throughout the season.

Hopefully, Farke and his hiring staff will have another target they can swiftly turn

to, as it appears they missed out on Hashioki. If not, this might be a serious

setback for chances of an automatic promotion.