Championship Strugglers Poised to Seal Japanese Star Deal Despite Rival Interest

Derby County are set to beat the likes of QPR, Birmingham City and Eredivisie side FC Twente to the signing of highly-rated Japanese midfielder Koki Saito, according to Mike McGrath.

Saito, 24, spent the 24/25 season on loan in England's second tier with the aforementioned QPR, who were amongst the bidding clubs in an attempt to secure him permanently at Loftus Road, but now seem to be lagging behind The Rams in the race for his signature.

The Japanese central midfielder currently plies his trade for Belgian side Lommel SK, who have been listening to offers exceeding £5m for his services.

Derby County have been aiming to overhaul their side this summer in their attempts to stay in the EFL Championship, and have now met Lommel's valuation of Saito, with the final negotiations between the two clubs now believed to be taking place.

Rams Close on Saito Signing

With John Eustace impressing on his arrival as manager at Pride Park towards the end of last season, guiding Derby County away from the drop zone before escaping by a single point, the onus is now on him to construct a side ready to remain there once again, despite a poor start to the 25/26 season.

In that attempt, the club have brought in eight new faces to the East Midlands outfit this summer, including former cult hero Andreas Weimann, former Liverpool prospect Rhian Brewster and highly-touted American target-man Patrick Agyemang.

The signings don't appear to be stopping there, however, and a man who impressed in a fellow escape from danger with QPR last season now appears to be the next through the door at Pride Park.

Koki Saito 🤝 Scoring Bangers pic.twitter.com/orcbqpiQNu

— QPR FC (@QPR) March 16, 2025

After breaking through with Yokohama FC as an 18-year-old, Koki Saito soon made his way to Europe through Belgian side Lommel SK. He wasn't an out-and-out starter for the side, however, and spent two terms on loan at Sparta Rotterdam before heading to London to spend last season with QPR, impressing during all three stints.

Now, with Lommel willing to listen to offers in excess of £5m for the combative midfielders signature, the likes of FC Twente and high-aiming Birmingham City have sat up and taken notice. However, Derby County have been the first team to match the Belgian side's valuation, and Saito now appears set to be headed for the East Midlands.

Injuries Pile Up as Rams Make Slow Start

The signing of Saito may be a welcome sight for Derby County fans this summer, as despite seeing eight names come through the door already, only a few of them have made an appearance in their early league struggles.

Patrick Agyemang, The Rams' marquee arrival, has been absent from losses against Stoke City and Coventry City with a hernia issue, whilst Liverpool loanee Owen Beck has also seen himself sidelined with a muscle problem.

"He was the architect" 🌟

"They showed their quality and depth in the squad" ✅

Coventry City scored three times in seven minutes to beat Derby County! 👏@_ElliottJackson picks out two standout performers 👇

🎧 https://t.co/IJce5WXeBg#PUSB pic.twitter.com/8GiRbZEdMF

— The Championship Chat Podcast (@Champchatpod24) August 18, 2025

They join the likes of Curtis Nelson, Kane Wilson and Sondre Longas in the Pride Park medical room, with many wondering if a struggle to build early momentum could cost Derby dear in the long-run for the season.