FC Bayern acquires VfB player for up to 30 million euros.
Sportingly, it's a loss for VfB Stuttgart, but financially, it's a significant gain as they send Hiroki Ito to FC Bayern. The Bavarians are capitalizing on the exit clause, strengthening their defense. This might not be the last defender they acquire.
FC Bayern secured their first significant transfer for the new season by acquiring defender Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart. Both parties confirmed the news. The 25-year-old Japanese player is making use of an exit clause. Initially, Ito's contract with Stuttgart was set to expire in June 2027. However, he has now signed with Bayern until 2028.
"We're looking for players who are hungry and bring new energy, and Hiroki has everything we desire: a player who rises to challenges, meets them, and always pushes forward," said Bayern's sports director, Max Eberl. The new defensive player, according to him, will "instantly be a crucial addition to our team."
The exact transfer fee was not announced initially. Reports indicate that Stuttgart could earn nearly €30 million. It's a financially beneficial transaction for the Swabians: Ito was initially on loan from Jubilo Iwata in 2021 and later permanently signed by Stuttgart, and based on reports, he cost the club significantly less than a million euros in transfer fees.
Tah might have communicated his intent to transfer to Leverkusen
During the most recent season, Ito was a catalyst in the Stuttgart defense, missing only nine matches due to a muscle injury and participation in the Asian Cup. He was either a regular in the central defense or on the left side of the defense - with the exception of one game.
Ito may not be the only defensive newcomer for FC Bayern from their new coach, Vincent Kompany. According to reports, the former champion has agreed with the German national player, Jonathan Tah, on a shared future. The 28-year-old is said to have already informed his previous club, Bayer Leverkusen, of his intentions to transfer.
Munich is seeking more stability in defense following a season bereft of titles. The Bavarians ended the Bundesliga season in third place, losing to Leverkusen and Stuttgart. Particularly problematic were the performances of Dayot Upamecano and Minjae Kim in season 2023/24; both lost their starting positions in the final league game to Matthijs De Ligt and the initially only as a substitute player Eric Dier.
