Eintracht Frankfurt Signs Japan Forward Ritsu Doan From Freiburg on Five-Year Deal

Eintracht Frankfurt has signed Japanese forward Ritsu Doan on a five-year contract until 2030, transferring him from Bundesliga rival SC Freiburg. The 27-year-old, who has 57 international caps for Japan, impressed at Freiburg with 26 goals and 23 assists in 123 matches, including 10 league goals last season as Freiburg finished fifth. Frankfurt, which finished third in the Bundesliga and will compete in the Champions League next season, views Doan's technique, speed, and international experience as valuable assets to strengthen their attack, especially after the departure of star striker Hugo Ekitiké. The club’s board member for sport, Markus Kroesche, praised Doan's quality and mindset, emphasizing his ability to help the team achieve its goals. Doan, who previously played in the Dutch league with Groningen and PSV Eindhoven, expressed excitement about joining Frankfurt and playing in front of their supporters. He may make his debut in the German Cup on August 17, with the Bundesliga season opener against Werder Bremen following shortly after.