German magazine Kicker have claimed that Japanese midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi is set to return to Leeds United this summer, as loan side SpVgg Greuther Fürth cannot afford to buy him permanently.
The 22-year-old joined Furth on loan last summer, in what was his second loan spell away from Elland Road since he joined the Whites in January 2018. He struggled at Cultural Leonesa in Spain last season.
This time around, he got off to a strong start with the Bundesliga 2 side, before it all came crashing down. He ruptured his cruciate ligament in September, and has been sidelined until returning to action earlier this month.
Indeed, the Japan international played half of Furth’s 4-0 loss to Koln, before playing almost the entirety of Furth’s 1-1 draw with Aue. But his frustrating stint with the German side is likely to see him return to Yorkshire.
It is believed Ideguchi does have a permanent clause in his current contract, but that his loan side are unwilling to meet the asking price necessary to sign Ideguchi permanently. It means he is set to return to Leeds.
TBR’s view
Another frustrating season for Ideguchi, but this time it could not be helped. Leeds must give the Japanese ace another chance, either by sending him on loan or keeping him and looking to impress Marcelo Bielsa.
The quality is obviously there. He has represented Japan 12 times and even scored two goals, and has plenty of pace for a central midfielder. He could be the ideal cover for the likes of Mateusz Klich.
But Ideguchi has an enormous amount to prove. Can he do that before it is too late? It remains to be seen.
