Just hours after the transfer rumors initially broke that linked Bayern Munich to VfB Stuttgart defender Hiroki Itō, a deal was consummated in Bavaria that brought the Japan international to the Allianz Arena.
Club executive Max Eberl was thrilled to bring Itō into solidify his team’s backline.
“We are delighted that we have signed Hiroki Itō for FC Bayern. We want hungry players who bring new energy, and Hiroki has everything we want: He is a player who accepts challenges, overcomes them and continually makes his way. At 25-years-old, he has already gained a lot of experience and can handle pressure, whether in a relegation match or with a chance of making it to the Champions League. He will immediately be a real reinforcement for us,” said Eberl.
Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund thinks Itō will bring a lot of positive traits to Bavaria.
“Hiroki Itō was reliability personified at VfB Stuttgart: he consistently delivered top-level performances and thus came to the attention of some top international clubs. Hiroki is tall, aggressive, has a strong left foot, an excellent passing game and is versatile in defence because he can play on the left or centrally. He came to Germany as a young player, has developed superbly and we are sure that he still has further potential,” said Freund.
As for Itō, the defender seems happy to have made the jump to Germany’s biggest club.
“It is a great honour for me to be able to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. The name FC Bayern also has a good reputation in Japan. I always gave my all at VfB Stuttgart and am grateful to the club. Now I am looking forward to the challenge in Munich and want to do my part to ensure that FC Bayern wins many titles. It was time to take a new step, and for me FC Bayern is the perfect club for that,” Itō remarked.
Looking for thoughts and analysis on Germany’s outlook for the EURO 2024 competition and an in-depth breakdown on the multitude of Bayern Munich transfer rumors — including the arrival of Hiroki Ito and the possible departures of Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, and Alphonso Davies, plus a whole lot more? Then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up on Spotify or below: