In a transfer that has sent shockwaves through the Bundesliga, Eintracht Frankfurt have successfully completed the signing of Japanese sensation Ritsu Doan from SC Freiburg. The Eagles have agreed to pay a substantial €21 million fixed fee plus €1 million in performance-related add-ons, marking one of the most significant moves in the 2025 summer transfer window. This ambitious acquisition signals Frankfurt’s intent to compete at the highest level following their Champions League qualification.
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The Deal That Transforms Frankfurt’s Attack
After weeks of intense negotiations, Eintracht Frankfurt and SC Freiburg have reached an agreement on the transfer of Ritsu Doan, according to Sky Germany. The two clubs have agreed on a deal reportedly worth €21 million upfront, with an additional €1 million in add-ons. The comprehensive package also includes a sell-on clause that ensures Freiburg will benefit from any future transfer.
The 27-year-old Japanese international has signed a contract running until 2030, with his medical scheduled for today, Wednesday, cementing his long-term commitment to the Frankfurt project. This represents a significant investment by Eintracht Frankfurt in their attacking capabilities, particularly as they prepare for Champions League football.
Strategic Masterstroke by Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt’s pursuit of Ritsu Doan represents more than just another transfer – it’s a statement of intent. The club’s sporting director has identified the Japanese winger as a key piece in their tactical puzzle, with coach Dino Toppmoller particularly keen to integrate Doan’s pace and creativity into his system.
Despite interest from Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United, Doan favors Frankfurt, highlighting the pull of the Eagles’ Champions League ambitions and the club’s vision for the future. This preference for Frankfurt over other prestigious clubs speaks volumes about the direction the club is heading under current management.
The Japanese Magician’s Journey to Frankfurt
Ritsu Doan’s path to Eintracht Frankfurt reads like a modern football fairy tale. Dōan grew up in the town of Amagasaki, to the west of Osaka. His older brothers were mad about football and Ritsu quickly caught the bug too. His talent was evident early, as he became part of a golden generation who won the club’s first-ever treble at U15 level in 2012 at Gamba Osaka.
The winger’s European journey began in the Netherlands with FC Groningen, where his impressive performances caught the attention of PSV Eindhoven. However, it was his loan spell at Arminia Bielefeld during the 2020/21 season that truly announced his arrival in German football. Dōan was one of their key performers in the fight for survival. He was Bielefeld’s joint-top scorer with five goals, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Freiburg Foundation
At SC Freiburg, Doan truly flourished. Dōan scored on his Bundesliga debut for Freiburg in August 2022 (in a 4-0 win at Augsburg) and also netted in his first appearances for the club in the DFB Cup and UEFA Europa League. His impact extended far beyond club football, as he became a national hero during the 2022 World Cup, where he netted crucial goals against both Germany and Spain to help Japan progress from their group.
The numbers speak for themselves: the 27-year-old racked up 10 goals and 8 assists for Freiburg in the Bundesliga last season. His consistency has been remarkable, having only missed four Bundesliga games since his arrival at Freiburg in 2022. An impressive 18 goal involvements in 2024/25 helped Freiburg to push for a UEFA Champions League place, demonstrating his influence on team performance.
What Frankfurt Are Getting
Eintracht Frankfurt are acquiring a player at the peak of his powers. While comparisons with Lionel Messi may be a little far-fetched, the 27-year-old does share traits with former Bayern midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri. The comparison is apt – both players possess a magic left foot and like to get involved in setting goals up as well as putting them away.
Standing at 5’8″, Doan’s low centre of gravity makes them formidable dribblers of the ball, and they aren’t shy about throwing themselves into challenges either. This combination of technical ability and physical commitment makes him an ideal fit for the demanding nature of Bundesliga football.
Tactical Flexibility
Doan’s versatility adds another dimension to Frankfurt’s tactical options. Primarily deployed as a right-winger, his ability to drift inside and create chances, combined with his pace and direct running, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenders. His Champions League experience with Freiburg in Europa League competition also provides valuable continental know-how.
Financial Investment and Market Value
The €22 million total package represents significant value in today’s inflated transfer market. SC Freiburg is seeking a transfer fee of over 20 million euros, and Frankfurt’s successful bid puts them ahead of several competitors who were unwilling to meet Freiburg’s valuation.
Recent reports suggested that the transfer fee is expected to be around 18 million euros initially, but Frankfurt’s willingness to meet Freiburg’s €21 million fixed fee demand, plus add-ons, demonstrates their commitment to securing their primary target.
Future Implications
This signing represents more than just a squad addition for Eintracht Frankfurt. It signals their ambition to establish themselves as a consistent Champions League participant. The long-term contract until 2030 shows Frankfurt’s confidence in Doan’s ability to contribute over multiple seasons.
For Ritsu Doan, the move represents the next step in his career progression. At 27, he’s entering his prime years, and the opportunity to showcase his talents on the Champions League stage with Frankfurt provides the perfect platform for continued development.
Transfer Details Breakdown
| Transfer Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Buying Club | Eintracht Frankfurt |
| Selling Club | SC Freiburg |
| Fixed Fee | €21 million |
| Add-ons | €1 million |
| Total Potential Value | €22 million |
| Contract Length | Until 2030 |
| Additional Clauses | Sell-on clause for Freiburg |
Ritsu Doan Career Statistics
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | League |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | SC Freiburg | 36 | 10 | 8 | Bundesliga |
| 2023/24 | SC Freiburg | 32 | 7 | 2 | Bundesliga |
| 2022/23 | SC Freiburg | 34 | 5 | 4 | Bundesliga |
| 2020/21 | Arminia Bielefeld | 28 | 5 | 3 | Bundesliga |
International Career Highlights
| Tournament | Year | Goals | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | 2022 | 2 | Goals vs Germany & Spain |
| International Caps | 2015-2025 | 10 | 57 appearances for Japan |
| FIFA U20 World Cup | 2017 | 3 | Helped Japan reach knockouts |
FAQs
How much did Eintracht Frankfurt pay for Ritsu Doan?
Eintracht Frankfurt paid €21 million as a fixed fee, plus €1 million in performance-related add-ons, bringing the total potential transfer value to €22 million.
How long is Ritsu Doan’s contract with Eintracht Frankfurt?
Doan has signed a long-term contract with Eintracht Frankfurt that runs until 2030, showing the club’s commitment to building around the Japanese international.
What position does Ritsu Doan play?
Ritsu Doan primarily plays as a right-winger but can operate across the attacking midfield positions. His pace, creativity, and left foot make him a versatile attacking threat.
Why did Ritsu Doan choose Eintracht Frankfurt over other clubs?
Despite interest from Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United, Doan favored Frankfurt due to their Champions League qualification and the sporting project under coach Dino Toppmoller.
What was Ritsu Doan’s performance last season at Freiburg?
In the 2024/25 season, Doan scored 10 goals and provided 8 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions, playing a crucial role in Freiburg’s push for European qualification.
