Bayern Munich gets its first new player for next season. He is a Japanese defender who plays at VFB Sttugart Hiroki Ito.
Ito was brought in from Stuttgart after Bayern redeemed the release in his contract worth 30 million euros or around Rp. 525 billion. Ito has a four-year contract until 2028.
“I am honored to be able to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Bayern has a good reputation in Japan. I always perform as hard as possible for Stuttgart and am grateful to them,” said Ito on the club’s official website.
“Now I am ready to face a new challenge in Munich and want to contribute to bringing Bayern to win many titles. It’s time for me to start a new chapter and Bayern is the perfect club for me.”
Ito became Bayern’s first purchase in the era of coach Vincent Kompany. He is projected to become a new pillar in Bayern’s back line, which was weak last season, resulting in failure to retain the Bundesliga title.
Ito is the third Japanese player to wear the Die Roten uniform after Takashi Usami and Taichi Fukui.
He appeared 29 times in all competitions with two assists and helped Stuttgart finish runner-up in the Bundesliga, ahead of Bayern. Ito was bought from Jubilo Iwata in 2022 with a price tag of 400 thousand euros and appeared 97 times with two goals and five assists.
At national team level, Ito has played for the Japanese national team 19 times with one goal.
JP2021.COM