Stuttgart's Ito completes switch to FC Bayern.

Football: A Popular Sport Worldwide This news focuses on the widespread popularity of soccer as a sport across the globe. The headline emphasizes how "soccer" engages a significant number of people globally. The description further explains that anyone can play this game, regardless of their age, gender, or socio-economic background. - Stuttgart's Ito completes switch to FC Bayern.

FC Bayern gains a top defender as Hiroki Ito makes his move. The VfB Stuttgart player utilizes an exit clause to leave the Swabian Bundesliga club for the record champions of German football. Both teams revealed this news on Thursday. Initially, Ito had a contract with VfB until June 2027. However, the Japanese national player now signed up until 2028 in Munich. Reports earlier suggested this deal was imminent.

"We are disappointed by Hiroki's decision. He was an essential part of our team in the last few years. It was our desire to have him continue playing for VfB, facing the challenges of the upcoming season alongside us," said Stuttgart's sports director and future sports manager, Fabian Wohlgemuth. "We wish the 25-year-old, who is now going to play in the Champions League with Bayern instead of VfB, all the best."

VfB could pocket a hefty sum from the deal

The specific transfer fee amount was left undisclosed initially. Reports suggest Stuttgart could receive as much as 30 million euros. VfB's financial stand to gain from this is undeniable: Ito, initially brought in on loan from Jubilo Iwata then was secured on a permanent contract a year later, reportedly cost VfB less than a million euros in transfer fees.

In the previous season, the Japanese defender was pivotal in the backline of the runners-up in the Bundesliga and only missed nine matches due to a muscle injury and the Asian Cup. Apart from that, he has always been a fundamental part of their defense, playing either in the center or on the left as a central defender or a left-sided defender.

"I will always cherish my time at VfB with fond memories," Ito remarked. "Leaving is not easy for me, but I'm also excited about the new challenge."

FC Bayern announces VfB Stuttgart announcement.

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1. Despite his move to FC Bayern Munich, Hiroki Ito will always remember his time in Stuttgart with fondness, being a crucial player for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga's runners-up team last season.
2. As a prominent figure in Swabia, Stuttgart's Hiroki Ito finds himself leaving the Swabian Bundesliga club to join Germany's record champions in football, FC Bayern Munich.
3. The switching of allegiances between FC Bayern and VfB Stuttgart has been confirmed, with Hiroki Ito taking advantage of his exit clause to depart from the Swabian side for Munich's Bundesliga club.
4. The papers in Germany, such as the Bild newspaper, have reported on the high-profile transfer of VfB Stuttgart's Hiroki Ito to FC Bayern Munich in the German soccer league, the Bundesliga.
5. In the vast expanse of Germany, from the Swabian region of Baden-Württemberg's hometown of Stuttgart to the prestigious club of Munich, Hiroki Ito's defender skills are needed to strengthen FC Bayern Munich's soccer roster.
6. The crosstown rivalry between VfB Stuttgart and FC Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga intensifies as Hiroki Ito makes his move to Munich, leaving the Swabians in his wake.
7. Seeking to elevate their soccer team, FC Bayern Munich comes across a formidable recruit in Hiroki Ito, who opted to exercise an exit clause from his VfB Stuttgart contract, bringing a much-needed talent to Munich's renowned Bundesliga club.

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