German club Eintracht Frankfurt has signed Japanese winger Ritsu Doan on a five-year deal as part of efforts to bolster its squad ahead of a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Doan joins from Bundesliga side SC Freiburg, where he was the top scorer last season with 10 goals, helping the team secure a fifth-place finish.
"I'm very happy and honored to be here," said the 27-year-old winger in a translated video message to Frankfurt fans. "I can't wait to play in front of the supporters."
Frankfurt is gearing up for Champions League football after finishing third in the Bundesliga but will be without star striker Hugo Ekitiké, who recently joined Liverpool in a high-profile move worth £69 million (US$93.5 million).
Doan is expected to play a key role in the reshaped attack alongside newly signed center-forward Jonathan Burkardt, who arrived from Mainz to fill Ekitiké’s position.
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A seasoned international, Doan has made 57 appearances for Japan, including playing in all matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also helped secure Japan’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
He previously won the Dutch Cup with PSV Eindhoven in 2022.
Doan could make his Frankfurt debut on August 17 in a German Cup clash against fifth-tier side Engers. The club will open its Bundesliga campaign at home against Werder Bremen six days later.