Birmingham City and Gladbach must pay significant fee to sign Shūto Machino | OneFootball

Shūto Machino is a wanted man this summer with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Birmingham City showing an interest in the Holstein Kiel striker. But potential suitors must now stump up a significant fee to sign the Japan international.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Holstein Kiel sporting director Olaf Rebbe said: “We have a pain threshold. It’s in the double-digit million range.” That’s a significant rise on the reported €3.5m exit clause that was valid until May 31. And now teams must stump up in excess of €10m before Kiel contemplate selling their star player.

Although relegated from the top-flight, Machino was a standout with 11 goals and three assists in 32 Bundesliga games. The 25-year-old’s performances saw a return to the Japan national team which resulted in one goal and two assists in his last three games.

Since June 2024, per Transfermarkt, Machino’s market value has more than doubled from €2m to €5m, while the player holds a contract at Kiel until 2027.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder