Borussia Monchengladbach news: Shuto Machino joins as Alassane Plea replacement

Following the departures of Alassane Plea and Tomas Cvanvara, Gerardo Seoane needs to strengthen the Borussia Monchengladbach attack ahead of the upcoming Bundesliga season.

Plea’s shock move to Dutch outfit PSV earlier this month left a huge hole in the Gladbach front line.

Paired with Cvancara’s switch to Antalyaspor, Die Fohlen have lost all of their versatile attacking options.

Seoane has not gone too far in looking for a replacement and has brought in Shuto Machino from 2. Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel.

Shuto Machino joins Borussia Monchengladbach

Shuto Machino faces off against FC Bayern Munich.

Holstein Kiel signed Machino from J1 League’s Shonan Bellmare in 2023  to help with their Bundesliga campaign.

Last season, the Japanese forward found the net 12 times in 34 appearances as the North German club were relegated from the Bundesliga.

At Kiel, Machino operated as a striker, winger and attacking midfielder, making him a good replacement for Plea.

The 25-year-old joins Gladbach in a deal worth £8million and has signed a deal until the summer of 2029.

First impressions

Upon his arrival at Borussia Monchengladbach, Machino was delighted, calling the move a ‘new chapter’.

He said: “I really wanted to join Borussia, which is why I’m delighted that the transfer has now gone through.

“Now I want to do everything I can in order to help the team win as quickly as possible.”

Keep up with all the latest news, rumours and betting tips with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us across our social platforms.

READ MORE: Chelsea news: Blues close in on Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons