Bristol City sign Japan winger Hirakawa on loan

Yu Hirakawa helped Machida Zeldia win the J2 league title last year

Bristol City have signed Yu Hirakawa from Japanese side Machida Zelvia on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old Japanese winger becomes the Robins’ second signing of the summer, following the arrival of striker Fally Mayulu.

Hirakawa made 61 appearances in three years for J1 League leaders Zelvia, scoring six times, and teed up the winner in his final game against Nagoya Grampus on Saturday.

“We’re really pleased to see Yu become a Bristol City player," City's technical director Brian Tinnion told the club's website.

“It’s taken a bit of time to get the right deal sorted, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in a City shirt."

Hirakawa will join up with the first team squad at a pre-season training camp in Portugal, before heading to France as part of Japan's football squad for the Paris Olympics.