Hamburg have announced the signing of attacking midfielder Masaya Okugawa on loan until the end of the season.
The Japanese midfielder joined Augsburg on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefield last summer but has only made two appearances in the Bundesliga this season after breaking his collarbone at the beginning of the campaign.
The 27-year-old completed his medical in Hamburg on Friday and is expected to be ready to play in Hamburg’s next fixture against Schalke.
Claus Costa, director of Professional Football at HSV, has spoken on what Okugawa will bring to the team.
“Masaya knows the league and will help us to further increase our goal threat with his creative and courageous style of play, especially on the wings. At the same time, he brings a high level of readiness in the game against the ball, so he fits in very well with our team and our game,” said Costa.
Okugawa will look to recapture his form in the 2. Bundesliga as he provided five goals and ten assists for Arminia Bielefield last season in the division, and he is looking for an instant impact.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge at HSV, I know the club well from my years in Germany. In addition, I have already worked with Tim Walter in Kiel and have also played with Jonas Meffert, Laszlo Benes and Gui Ramos,” said Okugawa.
“I want to help HSV immediately, contribute my strengths and achieve the goal I have set myself with the team and the entire club.”
Hamburg currently sit in 3rd place in the league table and are just four points behind the league leaders Kiel. Okugawa may just be the extra firepower that is needed to help them gain promotion.
GGFN | Matthew Gritton