Bayern sign Japanese defender

German giants Bayern Munich have officially completed the signing of Hiroki Ito from fellow Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart. Ito had a 30-million-euro release clause in his Stuttgart contract, and Bayern have reportedly triggered it to secure the defender’s services on a four-year-deal.

Ito also becomes new Bayern manager Vincent Kompany’s first signing of the summer. The Bavarian giants turned to Kompany to replace Thomas Tuchel after a disappointing 2023/24 season that saw them relinquish their hold on the Bundesliga. Bayern finished a lowly third behind champions Bayer Leverkusen and surprise packages Stuttgart.

Ito was a key part of Stuttgart’s success last season, and the Swabians have made a healthy profit on the transfer, having originally signed him from Jubilo Iwata for less than a million euros. He made close to a hundred appearances for Stuttgart during his stint at the Mercedes-Benz Arena The 25-year-old is primarily a centre back by trade, but can also play as a left back and as a defensive midfielder if required.

Ito has also been capped at senior level by Japan and was part of their 2022 World Cup squad. He becomes the third Japanese footballer to play for Bayern after Takashi Usami and Taichi Fukui.

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