KAA Gent welcomes Daiki Hashioka, a 26-year-old right wing defender who comes from Slavia Prague. The Japanese is rented from the Czech top club until the end of the season, with an option to purchase.
Hashioka is no stranger to Belgian football. He played three seasons for Sint-Truiden between 2021 and 2024. In more than 90 official matches, Hashioka was good for 14 assists and two goals. During that period he also became a Japanese international. The defender now has 11 caps to his name.
Hashioka’s good performances at STVV earned him a transfer to the Premier League, where he played for promotion candidate Luton Town. Luton were unable to secure retention in 2024 and Hashioka played 17 more games in the Championship before moving to Slavia Prague. Ghent will now be his fourth European club.
“Hashioka is a defensive reinforcement. He not only has experience in Belgium, but also at a higher level. Japanese players often have a very good mentality and that also applies to Daiki. He is disciplined and brings stability and reliability.” – Kjeld Fort, Operational Director
Daiki received his youth training at Urawa Red Diamonds, where he also played with his new teammate Atsuki Ito. Hashioka has represented Japan at all youth levels and also attended the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Over the years he evolved into a physically strong footballer who is unshakable defensively.
“It is definitely an advantage that Daiki knows the Belgian competition and has also played in the Premier League, but it is certainly also important that his mentality fits in with our group of players. He has a good, positive personality and is a hard worker.” – Rik De Mil, coach KAA Gent
Welcome to Ghent and good luck, Daiki!
