Eintracht Frankfurt sign Japan star Ritsu Dōan from Freiburg
Eintracht Frankfurt have completed the signing of Japan international Ritsu Dōan from Freiburg on a five-year deal.
The 57-time Japan international arrives at Eintracht at an exciting time, with Dino Toppmöller's team all set to compete in the UEFA Champions League after their impressive third-place Bundesliga finish last term.
Dōan joins Eintracht having racked up 131 appearances in Germany's top tier across spells at Freiburg and Arminia Bielefeld.
Watch: All Ritsu Dōan's Bundesliga goals
"He has gained plenty of international experience in a Japan jersey and his technique, speed and mindset certainly made him stand out in recent years when he was at Freiburg. We’re delighted that Ritsu has signed with us.”
Dōan took his first steps in European football after signing for Dutch team FC Groningen - initially on loan - from Gamba Osaka. He later won the Dutch Cup while at PSV, before switching to Bielefeld in 2020.
It was at Freiburg where Dōan caught the eye, though, with his 27 goals and 23 assists for the Black Forest club - mostly from the right wing - helping the team to achieve two top-five finishes during his time in Baden-Württemberg.
He will be in line to make his Bundesliga debut for the club when the Eagles kick off their league campaign with a Matchday 1 encounter at home to Werder Bremen on 23 August.
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