According to Voetbalnieuws.be, Westerlo has announced the signing of Shunsuke Saito, who has signed a 3.5-year contract. Saito arrives from Mito HollyHock, for whom he scored nine goals and provided one assist in 48 matches in the Japanese second division. The reported fee for the transfer is €450,000.

20-year-old right winger Shunsuke Saito is set to move to Westerlo from second-division club Mito HollyHock. The Japanese youth international has scored 9 goals and provided 1 assist in 43 league matches, which generated interest from other European clubs. Saito is expected to be Westerlo's first winter signing and will likely be a replacement for Griffin Yow, who could be transferred to Major League Soccer. Saito joined Mito HollyHock in February 2024, with his contract running until January 31, 2027. He has 8 caps and 1 goal for the Japan U20 team. His current market value is €1.00m, according to Transfermarkt.