Ritsu Doan Signs Five-Year Deal with Eintracht Frankfurt

 

Ritsu Doan leaving SC Freiburg to Eintracht Frankfurt

Ritsu Doan Signs Five-Year Deal with Eintracht Frankfurt

August 7, 2025 – Frankfurt, Germany

Japanese international Ritsu Doan has signed a five-year contract with Eintracht Frankfurt, marking one of the club’s most high-profile signings this summer. The 27-year-old forward joins from Bundesliga rivals SC Freiburg, where he spent three successful seasons, tallying 26 goals and 23 assists across 123 appearances. His move reflects Frankfurt’s growing ambitions in both the Bundesliga and European competitions, especially as they gear up for another UEFA Champions League campaign.

The deal, finalized earlier today, secures Doan’s services through the summer of 2030. While financial details have not been disclosed publicly, reports from German outlets suggest that the transfer fee is in the region of €20 million — a significant investment for Frankfurt, who continue to strengthen their squad with a balanced mix of experience and technical flair.

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From Freiburg Star to Frankfurt’s Future

Doan’s rise in Germany has been steady. After spells at Groningen and PSV Eindhoven, he moved to the Bundesliga with Arminia Bielefeld in 2020, before joining Freiburg in 2022. At Freiburg, he matured into a consistent performer, playing as a right winger, attacking midfielder, and even in deeper midfield roles when required.

Freiburg fans have grown accustomed to his creative spark, quick decision-making, and fearless play in tight spaces. Doan played a pivotal role in helping the club qualify for Europe and maintain a solid mid-table finish during his tenure. His ability to unlock defenses, press high, and maintain composure under pressure caught the attention of several Bundesliga clubs — but Frankfurt moved fastest.

Speaking to the media during his unveiling, Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche said, “We’ve admired Ritsu for some time. He brings pace, precision, and professionalism. More importantly, he fits perfectly into our tactical philosophy and long-term vision.”

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Tactical Fit and Champions League Aspirations

Eintracht Frankfurt’s manager, Dino Toppmöller, views Doan as a versatile piece in the squad’s attacking puzzle. Capable of playing on either flank or centrally, Doan’s flexibility will allow Frankfurt to rotate effectively across competitions. His pressing style also aligns with Frankfurt’s aggressive off-the-ball approach, while his on-ball creativity offers solutions in tight games.

With Frankfurt securing Champions League football for the upcoming season, the team needs players who can perform on both domestic and European stages. Doan’s prior experience with the Japan national team in World Cup and AFC tournaments, coupled with Bundesliga consistency, makes him a logical addition.

“We are building something sustainable here,” Toppmöller noted. “Ritsu is not just a signing for today; he’s a player who will grow with us over the next five years.”

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Impact on Japanese Football and Fans

Doan is already a familiar name to fans in Japan. He has 45 international caps and was part of the national team at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. His move to Frankfurt, a club with growing global outreach, is expected to boost the Bundesliga’s popularity in Asia, particularly in Japan, where Doan is viewed as a national icon.

The club has already announced plans to expand its Japanese social media outreach and offer Japanese-language coverage of matches. Frankfurt previously benefited from strong ties to Japan during Makoto Hasebe’s tenure, and with Hasebe now retired, Doan looks set to carry the torch.

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Player Reaction

“I’m very proud to join Eintracht Frankfurt,” Doan said in his first club interview. “This is a team that plays exciting football and wants to compete with the best in Europe. I’m here to give everything I have.”

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Looking Ahead

Doan is expected to join the squad in training next week and may feature in Frankfurt’s final preseason friendly later this month. With the Bundesliga season kicking off in just over two weeks, fans are eager to see how quickly he settles and whether he can help push Frankfurt into serious contention both domestically and in Europe.

With his prime years ahead, this move could define the next phase of Doan’s career — and elevate Frankfurt’s attacking prowess in the seasons to come.