What's happening with ? - Yosuke Ideguchi: A sad tale but we wish you well

There are a number of players who for whatever reason haven't had the impact at Leeds that was expected, one such case is Japanese International, Yosuke Ideguchi who we signed from Gamba Osaka back in January 2018.

Signing for Leeds with that trademark big grin

At the time I thought this was an exciting signing for us. Just 21 and already playing in J-League for a top club and he had already got 12 International caps for Japan, this was a bold and exciting signing but for reasons of getting a work permit and some much needed European experience, he was loaned straight out to Cultural Leonesa, Leeds' feeder club in Spain. With the World Cup coming up, he needed game time to make the Japanese squad.
After just 5 appearances and no goals, and no call-up for Russia, he returned for pre-season and finally made his debut in a Leeds shirt in a friendly against York City. Given the squad number, 16, he was then shipped out to Bundesliga side, Greuther Fürth for the full season with a view to a permanent transfer. Sadly for Yosuke, he tore his posterior cruciate ligament at the end of September and that was him finished until almost the end of the season before making the subs bench in May and making a final appearance against FC Cologne.

It looks like Greuther Furth won't be exercising their option to buy and although still a Leeds player, is not back at Leeds in training, seemingly not figuring in Bielsa's future plans.

So where is he then?

Well according to his instagram feed, he is currently back in Japan training with his old club Gamba Osaka. And the picture shows him with a big smile on his face which is great!

Personally, I'm really sad for the lad things didn't work out. He missed the World Cup, got badly injured and is now obviously not wanted at Leeds and I hope these setbacks haven't harmed his career too much. Luckily, he is still only 22 years of age so I truly hope he can pick things up and get back on track. I am sure he will have a great career somewhere and go on to play for Japan in the next World Cup.

Good luck and best wishes Yosuke Ideguchi.

Marching on Together

@nathen007

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