Bayern Munich have announced the signing of 25-year-old Japan defender Hiroki Ito who VfB Stuttgart valued at €30 Million.
The Japan international defender has inked a four-year deal with the Bundesliga giants, lasting until June 2028.
Ito, who featured in 26 Bundesliga games for Stuttgart last season, will add depth to Bayern’s defense as they look to challenge for silverware in the upcoming campaign.
The 25-year-old’s versatility in playing both central defense and left-back will provide options for new head coach Vincent Kompany.
Having impressed in a strong Stuttgart side that narrowly pipped Bayern to second place in the final Bundesliga standings, Ito will be eager to make his mark at his new club.
Upon signing with Bayern, Ito expressed his joy at being the first player to join under new manager Victor Kompany.
He said: “It’s a great honor for me to be able to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. The Bayern name has a good reputation in Japan.”
Ito also thanked his previous club, Stuttgart, for their support and expressed his eagerness to contribute to Bayern’s success by helping them win numerous titles.
He added: “I always gave my all at Stuttgart and am grateful to the club. Now I’m looking forward to the challenge in Munich and want to make my contribution to Bayern winning many titles. It was time to take a new step, and Bayern is the perfect club for me.”
The signing of Ito marks a new chapter for Bayern Munich, as they look to strengthen their squad under the guidance of Kompany.
Fans will be eager to see him in action during the club’s pre-season tour to South Korea, with his potential debut set to come in the DFB Cup clash against Ulm on Friday, 16 August.
The Football Career Of Bayern Munich’s new signing Hiroki Ito
Hiroki Ito rose through the ranks at Júbilo Iwata before making his professional debut in 2018. After a loan spell at Nagoya Grampus, he joined Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart on loan in 2021.
He quickly earned a promotion to the first team and scored his first Bundesliga goal later that year. Stuttgart exercised a purchase option in 2022, extending his contract until 2025.
Bayern Munich triggered his release clause of €30m to secure his signature on 13th of June 2024 with a contract until 2028.
At the International level, Ito has represented Japan both at youth and senior levels.
Ito played for the youth teams of Japan, including the U23 team during the 2018 AFC Championship, the U19 team in the 2018 AFC Championship, and the U20 team in the 2019 FIFA World Cup.
The 25-year-old made his debut for the senior Japan national team on 2 June 2022, during a 4–1 friendly win over Paraguay.
Later that year, on 1 November, he was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Hiroki Ito’s Salary and net worth
Hiroki Ito reportedly earns an annual salary of €2,500,000, the equivalent of €48,077 per week, not including bonuses.
The renowned Japanese footballer has an estimated net worth of € 4,685,205 Euros
Hiroki Ito Height
Hiroki Ito is 1.88m tall.
