Holstein Kiel striker emerges as one of 2. Bundesliga's hottest properties ahead of summer window

Holstein Kiel could be bracing for a summer of significant change — and Japanese striker Shuto Machino appears to be at the centre of it.

The 25-year-old forward, who has notched 11 goals in the current campaign, is attracting growing interest from both the Bundesliga and the Premier League. According to regional reports in Germany, Machino features on the shortlist of several top-flight German clubs, including Borussia Mönchengladbach, SC Freiburg, and Mainz 05, while scouts from England have also been tracking his performances closely.

Since arriving in Kiel from Japan in the summer of 2023, Machino has quietly become a key figure for the ‘Störche’, earning regular starts and maintaining impressive consistency. He has featured in 31 of Kiel’s 33 league fixtures this season, underlining both his fitness and importance to the squad.

A full Japan international, Machino is under contract until 2027, and his current market valuation stands at approximately €3.5 million. Given those terms, any transfer could potentially become the most lucrative in Holstein Kiel’s history.

Alongside fellow standouts like Tom Rothe Remberg and Armin Gigovic, Machino has been instrumental in Kiel’s campaign — but with promotion hopes fading and top-tier suitors lining up, the club may find it difficult to hold onto their star striker.

With the summer window approaching, all eyes will be on northern Germany to see whether the in-form forward will make the leap to the Bundesliga — or perhaps even beyond.