Ritsu Doan Joins Eintracht Frankfurt in Record Transfer for Japanese Star

Eintracht Frankfurt have officially signed Ritsu Doan from SC Freiburg. The transfer cost €21 million, with an extra €1 million in bonuses. This is the biggest transfer ever for a current Japanese national team player, as confirmed by reports noting that this transfer is the most expensive for a player currently representing the Japan national team.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On Thursday morning, Eintracht Frankfurt confirmed Ritsu Doan‘s contract runs until 2030, and this ends weeks of talks between the club and SC Freiburg. Reports have indicated that Doan is set to complete a medical and sign a contract with Frankfurt until 2030.

The 27-year-old Japanese winger will wear number 20 for Frankfurt. The deal includes a base fee of €21 million, reinforcing Doan’s status as the most expensive active Japanese national team player, as outlined in earlier reports highlighting that Frankfurt will pay an initial €21 million fee to SC Freiburg for Ritsu Doan.

Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krösche praised Doan’s skills, speed, and experience. He believes Doan will help Frankfurt achieve their goals.

DOAN’S IMPACT AND SEASON SO FAR

Ritsu Doan is one of the Bundesliga’s top wingers. He has played 123 times for Freiburg, scoring 26 goals and assisting 23 more.

In his four Bundesliga seasons with Arminia Bielefeld and Freiburg, he played 131 games and scored 27 goals. Last season, Doan started 31 league matches, scoring 8 goals and assisting 7.

Doan’s performance helped Freiburg finish fifth in the Bundesliga, qualifying the team for European competitions in the upcoming season. Frankfurt finished third, qualifying for the Champions League, in what will be a change in difficulty level, and opponents faced for the Japan international.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR EINTRACHT FRANKFURT?

Eintracht Frankfurt want to integrate Doan quickly before their Bundesliga opener against Hoffenheim on August 16th. Frankfurt qualified for the UEFA Champions League. Their immediate goal is to maintain or improve their league position. Hoffenheim finished fifteenth last season, close to relegation, and will want to improve this season from relegation fears.

With Doan, Frankfurt’s attack is stronger as they aim for the Bundesliga’s top three again and a deep run in European competitions.