Bristol City have confirmed the permanent signing of Yu Hirakawa, on a contract until the summer of 2028, just weeks after the Robins signalled their intention to extend the winger’s stay in the West Country during the January transfer window.
Hirakawa was the Reds’ second signing of the summer transfer window, making the move to Ashton Gate on a season-long loan from Machida Zelvia with a view to signing a permanent contract in BS3.
The Japanese youth international linked up with Liam Manning’s squad in Portugal where they completed a pre-season training camp, but travelled to Paris soon after as was named in Japan’s squad for the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old’s Olympic campaign only lasted 35 minutes as he picked up an injury in Japan’s 5-0 win against Paraguay.
Having returned to South Bristol for treatment of his injury, the winger made an instant impression in City colours. His first goal for the Robins came in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium and he quickly followed that up with a controversial second in a 3-1 away win against Preston North End.
Over the last few weeks, Hirakawa has found first-team minutes a bit more difficult to come by but when he has been introduced from the bench, he has made an impact against the likes of Boro and Cardiff City. Even though he hasn’t started a game since January, the Reds confirmed in their squad update at the end of the winter transfer window that they were planning to make the winger’s move to Ashton Gate permanent “in the coming days”.
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Although it has taken weeks rather than days, City have now confirmed that the 24-year-old has made the permanent switch to the West Country, putting pen to paper on a contract until the summer of 2028.
On the move Hirakawa said: “The Bristol City fans have been so welcoming and I am very happy to be here permanently.”
Manning added: “Yu has been brilliant for us and he’s only going to improve. He’s adjusting well to the English game and we’re really looking forward to seeing how he develops over the next few seasons.”
With no game this weekend as a result of Millwall’s progression in the FA Cup, Hirakawa’s first game as a permanent Bristol City player will come against the Lions next Tuesday, with important clashes against the likes of Hull City, Sheffield United and Norwich City to follow in quick succession.