Hoffenheim announced on Friday that they had signed 27-year-old Japanese defender Hiroki Machida from St. Germain United. According to German media reports, the two sides signed a four-year contract.

It is also reported that Machida Hiroki's transfer fee is 4.75 million euros, plus a floating bonus of 1 million euros. He will wear the No. 28 jersey in Hoffenheim.

Hiroki Machida mainly plays as a central defender and made his professional debut for Kashima Antlers in the J1 League on May 25, 2016. He joined Saint-Giroux United on a lease-to-buy basis in January 2022 and has made 114 appearances so far, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists, and has won the Belgian First Division Championship, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup with the team.

As for the national team, Hiroki Machida has played 17 times for Japan and provided 1 assist.

Regarding the joining of Hiroki Machida, Hoffenheim's sports director Andreas Schickel commented: "Hiroki Machida fully meets our requirements for a central defender. As a Japanese international, he has rich international competition experience. He has always been the absolute main force of St. Giles United last season."

"Machida Hiroki is a tough defender who is not afraid of any confrontation. In addition, he has excellent heading ability based on his height advantage, and has a good overall view and accurate backcourt passing ability. We believe that Machida Hiroki's dominance and ability will inject the stability we need into the team's defense."

Hiroki Machida said: "I am very happy to have finally moved to Hoffenheim. Hoffenheim is now competing in one of the top five European leagues and is an extremely attractive and ambitious club. Joining Hoffenheim and landing in the Bundesliga is an important step in my career."

“I can’t wait to start this new journey with my new teammates,” he concluded. “I will definitely give my all to strive for future success together with the team.”