Forget Kyogo Furuhashi, Birmingham City should throw everything at ‘remarkable’ 12-goal striker

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Birmingham are looking to make a statement in the Championship transfer window as they aim to fulfil their Premier League ambition.

The Blues have been linked with a raft of big names since winning the League One title, and one of those is Rennes striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

Reports last week suggested that Birmingham were interested in signing Kyogo after struggling in Ligue 1 following his £10 million transfer from Celtic in January.

However, despite only featuring for 120 minutes since completing his move to France, Kyogo wants to fight for his place at Rennes in 2025/26.

So, with Bournemouth also showing admiration towards Kyogo and the 30-year-old’s current stance on leaving, there is one other Japanese target the club should throw everything at.

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Birmingham City should go all out for Shuto Machino

According to GIVEMESPORT, Birmingham City want to sign Holstein Kiel striker Shuto Machino after his stunning campaign in the Bundesliga.

The Storks were relegated from Germany’s top flight in 17th position, but Machino was a shining light after plundering 12 goals in all competitions.

While the Japanese international doesn’t see his contract expire until the summer of 2027, there are several reasons why Chris Davies should wrap up a transfer for him.

Not only is the 25-year-old versatile, flourishing as a left winger as well as at central striker, but Machino is also deadly in the final third.

As highlighted by Sofascore, Machino’s goal conversion rate is a solid 22%, while he has also outperformed his xG in the Bundesliga by 4.57, evincing his ruthless edge.

Machino’s performances were dubbed ‘remarkable’ by the Bundesliga official website after hitting double figures in the competition, and based on the above, he’s someone who could excel in the Championship.

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What Machino’s coach has said about him

The key to winning a promotion is having a source of goals from almost every position. Jay Stansfield is a proven striker in the second tier, but as it stands, the Englishman needs someone to support him.

That is why Birmingham must go all out to sign Machino, who has been praised as a ‘true goalscorer’ by Holstein Kiel head coach Marcel Rapp.

“Shuto is a true goalscorer with a great finish, both with his right foot, his left foot, and with his head,” Rapp said. “He also has the right instinct to score in the box. Furthermore, his mentality is that of an absolute team player.”

So, with two Asian superstars already at the club in the shape of Tomoki Iwata and Paik-Seung Ho, Machino could become the latest success story.