Japan international Daiki Hashioka has completed a permanent move to Slavia Prague from Luton Town, signing a contract with the Czech champions until June 2029. The 26-year-old defender joins Slavia following Luton’s relegation to the third tier of English football, and will now prepare for his debut season in the UEFA Champions League.

Slavia Prague announced the signing on 27 June, hailing the versatile full-back as a major addition to their title-winning squad. The club secured the Czech First League title last season and will compete in the 2025/26 Champions League—marking a significant step up for Hashioka after a turbulent spell in England.

“I chose Slavia because of the Champions League”

Speaking via the club’s official channels, Hashioka revealed that Slavia’s European pedigree played a key role in his decision:

“Slavia Prague is a club with a great history. Watching their Champions League matches, especially the one against Barcelona, gave me real excitement. That’s why I chose Slavia and their fans—they’re amazing. I watch them on YouTube every day. My family also told me this club has a special atmosphere, and that I should play here. I can’t wait to get started.”

Hashioka, who came through the ranks at Urawa Red Diamonds, broke into the J1 League side’s first team in 2018 and quickly established himself as a regular. He moved to Belgian side Sint-Truiden in 2021, before joining Luton in January 2024 during their Premier League campaign. However, Luton were relegated to the Championship at the end of the season, and their drop to League One was confirmed shortly after.

A key signing on and off the pitch

Slavia’s sporting director Jiří Bílek described Hashioka as “a strong, versatile player with an excellent aerial game,” and added that his arrival could also enhance the club’s profile in Asian markets:

“His qualities will help move the team forward, and his presence strengthens our position in Asia as well.”

The move to Prague represents a career turning point for Hashioka, who now has the opportunity to test himself on Europe’s biggest stage. With Champions League football on the horizon and a long-term contract in place, the Japanese full-back will be expected to play a pivotal role in Slavia’s domestic and continental campaigns.