Premier League Clubs Enter Race for Shuto Machino as Gladbach Face Stiff Competition

2025-07-23 HAN, June

SUITA, JAPAN - JUNE 10: Shuto Machino of Japan celebrates after scoring the team's fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup Asian Third Qualifier Group C match between Japan and Indonesia at Panasonic Stadium Suita on June 10, 2025 in Suita, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s pursuit of Shuto Machino is far from straightforward, as the Japanese forward continues to attract serious interest from the Premier League, according to reports from Sky Sport Germany.

The 25-year-old striker currently plays for Holstein Kiel, but following the club’s relegation from the Bundesliga at the end of the 2024/25 season, Machino has made it clear that he wishes to remain in Germany’s top flight — or potentially take a step up elsewhere.

Bundesliga Talent on the Radar

Machino, who joined Kiel in the summer of 2023 after making a name for himself in Japan with Shonan Bellmare, quickly established himself as one of the most reliable forwards in the league. Despite Kiel’s struggles, Machino delivered an impressive campaign in his debut Bundesliga season, scoring 11 goals and providing 3 assists in 32 appearances.

Standing at 1.85 metres, Machino combines physical presence with intelligent movement and a sharp left foot. His ability to find space in the box and finish under pressure has caught the attention of scouts not just in Germany, but now increasingly in England as well.

Gladbach’s Longstanding Interest

Borussia Mönchengladbach have been tracking Machino for months and consider him a key target to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season. With Tomas Cvancara facing recurring injury concerns and the club in need of added firepower, Machino has emerged as a priority signing.

The Foals see Machino’s Bundesliga experience and adaptability as a perfect fit for their front line, and early talks are understood to have taken place with the player’s representatives. However, progress has stalled — largely due to rising competition and transfer demands.

KIEL, GERMANY - JULY 16: Shuto Machino of Holstein Kiel poses during the team presentation on July 16, 2025 in Kiel, Germany. (Photo by Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images)

Premier League Enters the Frame

According to Sky Sport, multiple Premier League clubs have now expressed concrete interest in the Japanese striker. While the identities of the clubs have not been confirmed, the English top flight’s financial muscle could pose a serious obstacle for Gladbach.

The interest is believed to have driven up the asking price, with Kiel’s new sporting director Olaf Rebbe reportedly demanding a package of at least €10 million to part with their star striker — a significant fee for a player whose contract runs until 2027.

Given Machino’s age, productivity, and international profile — he has already made appearances for the Japanese national team, including at the 2022 FIFA World Cup — it's no surprise that he's being viewed as a shrewd acquisition for mid-table or upwardly mobile European sides.

What’s Next?

While Gladbach remain hopeful of bringing Machino to Borussia-Park, they now face an uphill battle. Premier League interest rarely fades once it becomes public, and with the striker keen to play at the highest possible level, much could depend on how the situation evolves in the coming weeks.

For now, one thing is certain: Shuto Machino is one of the most in-demand forwards on the German market this summer — and his next move could shape not only his own future but also the ambitions of the club that wins the race for his signature.