Sheff Wed sign Japanese defender Hatsuse

Sheffield Wednesday have signed former Vissel Kobe left-back Ryo Hatsuse on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old joins the Owls after a period on trial with the Championship side and becomes the third new arrival inside a week following Stuart Armstrong and Ibrahim Cissoko.

Hatsuse was part of the Vissel side who won the J-League title in 2023 and 2024 and could make his debut in Saturday's trip to West Bromwich Albion.

Wednesday have not revealed the length of contract he has signed.

Owls boss Danny Rohl told BBC Radio Sheffield that the defender had "a passion" to join the club.

"From the first talk he said he wanted to be a Sheffield Wednesday player," said Rohl.

"He didn't talk with me before. He said 'it's my dream to come here and play for you', and his mindset was fantastic to see.

"It's a good option for us to take him."

Ryo Hatsuse won the J-League title in each of the past two seasons with Vissel Kobe