The second tier German club were playing hardball over his exit, demanding a transfer fee for a player with limited first team opportunities and just four months of his two-season contract remaining.

But the dispute has been resolved with the 22 year old - capped five times by Ange Postecoglou - now free to join the three-time J-League champions, who are partially owned by the cash-rich City Football Group.

Degenek now only has to fulfill the formalities of a medical before sealing his future with the side which finished seventh last season and took out the 2014 Emperor's Cup.

"For me they are one of the top teams in the strongest league in Asia and I am really looking forward to getting started there," he told The World Game.

"Obviously people will say Europe is better but at this point in my life, it's a good move.

"They are a feeder club for Manchester City and that's one of things that influenced my decision.

"It could be a great thing in my life to have a big year in Japan and you never know what might happen.

"There are a lot of Japanese boys already playing in Europe, and with Yokohama being affiliated with City you are always going to be on their radar."

With the Confederations Cup looming the switch will also be a boost for Degenek's prospects of remaining on the inner sanctum of Postecoglou's squad.

"That's a big part of it also," he said. "We have a few of the Socceroos boys in China but I personally believe that while the money is better there the football quality is higher in Japan.

"It's on a different level, and in my view Japan and Australia are the best footballing countries in Asia."

Degenek sees the J-League as an ultimate launch pad back into Europe in the not too distant future.

"That's the plan ... to eventually come back and play at the top level but the J-League is a really good standard also.

"If you stand out there you are on your way."