Japan midfielder Hajime Hosogai is set to leave Urawa Reds for the Bundesliga when the European transfer market reopens this winter, Kyodo News learned on Tuesday.
Reports out of Germany have the 24-year-old Hosogai, who has been one of the most consistent performers for the former Asian champions over the last several seasons in the J. League, transferring to Bayer Leverkusen.
It is also being said that Leverkusen could then loan Hosogai to Augsburg of the second division.
Leverkusen are currently second in the Bundesliga behind Shinji Kagawa's Borussia Dortmund, who have opened up an 11-point lead. Japanese internationals Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke 04) and Kisho Yano (Freiburg) are also based in Germany.
Hosogai joined Urawa in 2005 from Maebashi Ikuei High School in Gunma Prefecture, one of the top soccer schools in the country, and played for Japan at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Hosogai made his full international debut this September in the home friendly against Paraguay. He appeared in 28 league matches for 10th-place Reds this season.