Frankfurt, Germany, Aug 7 (AP) - Eintracht Frankfurt has bolstered its ranks by signing Japanese winger Ritsu Doan, aiming to strengthen a squad impacted by Hugo Ekitiké's departure as the team gears up for the Champions League.
Doan has inked a five-year deal with Frankfurt, arriving from fellow Bundesliga side Freiburg, where he led the team's scoring charts with 10 goals, propelling them to a fifth-place finish.
“I'm very happy and honored to be here,” Doan expressed in a translated video message addressed to Frankfurt supporters. “I can't wait to play in front of the supporters.” Frankfurt secured a return to the Champions League following a third-place league finish, yet finds itself assembling a refreshed attacking line-up after selling striker Ekitiké to Liverpool for 69 million pounds ($93.5 million).
The 27-year-old Doan is anticipated to collaborate with another newcomer, former Mainz striker Jonathan Burkardt, who steps into Ekitiké's center-forward position.
Doan, who clinched the Dutch Cup with PSV Eindhoven in 2022, brings ample international experience with 57 caps for the Japanese national team. This includes participation in all their matches at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and contributions to securing a spot in next year’s World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Frankfurt supporters might witness Doan's debut on August 17 in a German Cup fixture against fifth-tier Engers. The team's Bundesliga campaign kicks off six days later with a home game against Werder Bremen. (AP) DDV
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