Bayern Munich has just completed a surprising deal named Hiroki Ito. The Japanese national defender will join the “Gray Tigers” and become the first rookie of coach Vincent Kompany.

Bayern Munich officially successfully recruited the Japanese player

This year’s summer transfer market witnessed the first unexpecteԀ deal. According to a series of reputable sources from Bild, Sky Sports and transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich has completed the recruitment of Japanese midfielder Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart.

This deal only has the final step of medical examination before being officially announced. Bayern will activate the release clause of Ito’s contract worth 28 million euros. The 25-year-old midfielder is expected to sign a contract until 2028. An official announcement on the deal will likely be made this week.

Hiroki Ito became coach Kompany’s first new recruit at Bayern Munich

After the deal is completed, Ito will become the second most expensive player to be sold outright by Stuttgart, only after Benjamin Pavard in the past. The French defender also joined Bayern in 2019 for 35 million euros.

Sources sаy the deal does not affect Bayern’s continued pursuit of Jonathan Tah from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. However, the Tah deal is considered more difficult. As for Ito, Bayern has strengthened the central defender position, which was their weakness last season.

Ito perfectly fits Bayern’s requirements. As a left-footed centre-back, the Japanese player will fill an important gap in the “Gray Tigers” defense. In addition, Ito can also play versatilely as a left-back and midfielder. 

The Japanese midfielder shined at Stuttgart last season

Remember, Ito was a key factor in Stuttgart’s brilliant season. The Swabian team won a record of 73 points, 1 point more than Bayern and finished runner-up in the Bundesliga.

Ito’s appearance at Bayern will be a warning to another Asian midfielder, Kim Min Jae. The Korean international may be sold when Bayern’s defense has become cramped and Kim Min Jae’s recent performance is being questioned.