3 players Derby County could sign from the J-League as "study" reports emerge | OneFootball

FLW take a look at three players who could very well be on the Rams' radar following reports

Derby County's scouting team appear to be casting their net wider than just Europe as John Eustace continues to shape his squad for next season.

According to The Daily Mail, Derby "study" Japan's J-League closely - suggesting the Rams are following a growing trend across the Championship. The J-League has become an increasingly attractive market for British clubs, with eight of the 24 Championship sides now boasting Japanese players on their books.

This trend has been fueled by post-Brexit work permit changes and the proven success of those first to arrive, like Birmingham City new-boy Kyogo Furuhashi - who first scored 86 goals in 167 matches for Glasgow giants Celtic.

Eustace's track record with developing wingers like Tyrhys Dolan at Blackburn Rovers, and his understanding of what excites Derby fans, does make this J-League focus logical - he witnessed the impact of players like Jamie Ward and Johnny Russell when a player at Pride Park.

Following this report, FLW take a look at three players who could very well be on the Rams' radar - but please bear in mind that this is a suggestive list.

Shunki Higashi - Sanfrecce Hiroshima

Shunki Higashi of Sanfrecce Hiroshima is a 24-year-old left-footed player who can operate as a left-back, winger and defensive midfield.

Higashi finished the 24/25 season with the league's third-most assists at eight, whilst also scoring two goals. So far this season he's scored two in 23, being regularly used in the centre of the pitch.

Eustace values players capable of playing in multiple roles which would certainly make Higashi an attractive option. The Rams have been linked with players in two of Higashi's comfortable positions (Owen Beck and Lewis Travis), whilst they do need better wingers next year.

Yuki Soma - Machida Zelvia

Yuki Soma represents a Dolan-type of exciting winger that can thrive under Eustace's guidance. The 28-year-old Machida Zelvia forward also plays internationally, with six goals for Japan - including an appearance at the 2022 World Cup.

Soma's recent form has been exceptional, scoring seven times and getting five assists in 20 J-League appearances this season (starts in February).

Soma may lack imposing physical presence being 5 foot 4, but his technical ability more than compensates - creating 37 chances (as of 8th July). Derby have been crying out for an exciting winger, and Soma's profile would definitely be appealing.

Taisei Miyashiro - Vissel Kobe

Taisei Miyashiro plays for the same club Kyogo did before his Celtic move, Vissel Kobe, and the 25-year-old attacking midfielder has proven his ability to perform on Asian football's biggest stage - with four goals in 7 AFC Champions League appearances.

Miyashiro has 26 goals in 67 appearances for the Cows (yes, that's the club's nickname), which is also consistent with Kyogo's pace of goals there - 50 in 111.

The financial feasibility of these signings aligns with whatever Derby's budget is, seeing as Tottenham just signed Kota Takai from the J-League for £5m. As its hard to see more large fees like Patrick Agyemang's reported one (£5.6m) being spent this window by Derby.

Pairing Eustace's ability to get the best out of his attacking players - like that spell with Marcus Harness last season - and Derby's need for creativity, these three Japanese talents could very well be names that have popped up during the Rams' data-driven J-League's studies.