Bayern Munich completes the signing of Japanese defender Hiroki Ito from 2023/24 Bundesliga runner-up Stuttgart.
Ito is 25 years old and can play as a center back and left back. He signed a 4-year contract with Bayern until June 30, 2028.
“It’s an honor for me to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. The nаme Bayern has a great reputation in Japan. I always gave my best at Stuttgart and am very grateful to the club. Now I’m looking forward to it.” challenge in Munich and want to help Bayern win many titles. It’s time to take a new step and Bayern is the perfect team for me,” Ito shared after launching the new team.
Ito made 26 appearances in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 season, helping Stuttgart become a phenomenon in the tournament by finishing in runner-up position, 1 point ahead of third-placed team Bayern in the final rankings. together. The 25-year-old – who moved to Stuttgart from Jubilo Iwata in the summer of 2021 – moves to the Allianz Arena after playing 85 top-flight matches in German football, as well as 19 caps for the Japanese national team.
“Hiroki Ito is a reliable presence in Stuttgart. He continuously performs at the highest level and has caught the eye of a number of top clubs. Hiroki is tall, аggressive, left-footed, and an excellent passer. and versatile in defense as he can play on the left as well as in the center of defense. He came to Germany as a young player, has really developed and we are sure he still has even more potential,” Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund said.
Ito will stay with Bayern until 2028
Max Eberl, board member of Bayern Munich, said: “We are delighted to have signed Hiroki Ito. We want hungry players who bring new energy and Hiroki has everything we want. want: he’s someone who accepts challenges, overcomes them and keeps going in matches. He’s got a lot of experience for a 25-year-old and can handle the pressure, no matter what relegation play-offs or playing in the Champions League. He will really give us strength immediately.”
Ito is Bayern’s first signing since Vincent Kompany replaced Thomas Tuchel as head coach. He is preparing to become the third Japanese player to play for Bayern Munich, after Takashi Usami (5 appearances in the 2011/12 season) and Taichi Fukui (1 match in the 2023/24 German Cup).
The Japanese rookie could make his debut for Bayern Munich on their pre-season tour to South Korea this summer. The Gray Tigers will then play their first match of the 2024/25 season in the German Cup against Ulm on Friday, August 16. The Bundesliga season begins a week later. The match schedule list will be announced on July 4.