Eintracht Frankfurt Secures Signing of Ritsu Dōan from Freiburg on a Five-Year Contract
Eintracht Frankfurt has taken a significant step forward in their roster development by successfully acquiring Japanese international midfielder Ritsu Dōan from SC Freiburg. The club confirmed the completion of the transfer, which sees Dōan committing to a long-term five-year deal that will keep him at the Deutsche Bank Park until 2030.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for Eintracht Frankfurt, as the club prepares for a highly anticipated campaign in the UEFA Champions League following a strong 2024–25 Bundesliga season that saw them secure an impressive third-place finish. With Champions League football on the horizon and a squad already filled with promising talent, Dōan’s arrival adds depth, experience, and international flair to the team’s midfield and attacking options.
Dōan’s Journey from Japan to Bundesliga Prominence
Ritsu Dōan, now 26 years old, brings with him not only a wealth of club-level experience in Europe but also a solid international resume with the Japan national team. Having earned 57 caps for his country, Dōan has played a pivotal role in Japan’s recent footballing successes, including World Cup qualification campaigns, AFC Asian Cup appearances, and various international friendlies. His exposure to top-tier international competition has sharpened his tactical awareness and matured his overall gameplay.
Dōan began his professional journey in Japan with Gamba Osaka, one of the premier clubs in the J.League. Recognized early on for his vision, agility, and technical control, he was quickly identified by European scouts as a potential standout. In 2017, he made his first move abroad, signing for FC Groningen in the Netherlands, initially on a loan that eventually became a permanent deal. His stint in the Eredivisie was a formative one, allowing him to adapt to European football’s physical and tactical demands.
Later, Dōan’s talent earned him a move to PSV Eindhoven, where he added more silverware to his name by helping the team lift the KNVB Cup (Dutch Cup). During his time at PSV, he continued to refine his playing style, becoming increasingly known for his dribbling, ability to cut inside from the wings, and quick decision-making in the final third.
Return to Germany and Bundesliga Breakthrough
In 2020, Ritsu Dōan returned to the Bundesliga on loan with Arminia Bielefeld. Despite the team’s struggles and relegation battles, Dōan was one of the standout performers, showcasing his resilience and work ethic even in a challenging environment. His contribution in terms of goals, assists, and overall creativity provided a lifeline for Bielefeld during a difficult season.
The following year, Dōan signed for SC Freiburg, a club known for its cohesive system under head coach Christian Streich. At Freiburg, he truly began to flourish. Over the course of his time with the Black Forest outfit, he featured in 131 Bundesliga matches—a notable tally that demonstrates both consistency and durability. His offensive statistics—27 goals and 23 assists—stand out especially considering that he primarily played as a right winger, though he was also occasionally deployed in central attacking roles or as an advanced midfielder.
During his Freiburg spell, the club enjoyed two highly successful seasons, finishing inside the top five of the Bundesliga table. Dōan’s presence played a key role in Freiburg’s rise, contributing to the club’s growing reputation both in domestic competition and in Europe, where they competed in the UEFA Europa League. His performances in high-pressure matches, particularly his ability to deliver in crucial moments, earned him recognition from fans and pundits alike.
Frankfurt’s Strategic Investment in Dōan
Eintracht Frankfurt’s decision to sign Ritsu Dōan is part of a broader strategy to bolster their squad depth ahead of a grueling 2025–26 campaign that includes domestic and continental challenges. With Frankfurt competing in the Champions League and looking to push for silverware on multiple fronts, head coach Dino Toppmöller and sporting director Markus Krösche have been active in the transfer market.
Krösche, a key figure in orchestrating the transfer, expressed immense satisfaction with the signing. Speaking after the deal was finalized, he said, “Ritsu Dōan has proved his real quality over recent years in the Bundesliga and brings with him the type of skills that will help us achieve our goals. He has gained plenty of international experience in a Japan jersey and his technique, speed and mindset certainly made him stand out in recent years when he was at Freiburg. We’re delighted that Ritsu has signed with us.”
The qualities Krösche highlighted—Dōan’s speed, technical ability, mental toughness, and international experience—are all aspects that Eintracht Frankfurt hopes to integrate seamlessly into their evolving tactical system. With Toppmöller aiming for an energetic, high-pressing style of play, Dōan is seen as a perfect fit for roles that demand creativity, defensive work rate, and versatility.
What Dōan Brings to the Team
Ritsu Dōan is best known for his dynamic playing style. As a right winger, he possesses an excellent combination of pace and control, often using his agility to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. He’s particularly dangerous when cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, creating shooting opportunities from outside the box or threading incisive passes into the penalty area.
However, it’s not just his offensive output that stands out. Dōan is also admired for his pressing ability and defensive contributions. Under Freiburg’s disciplined system, he developed a strong sense of positioning and pressing triggers, making him effective in closing down opponents and regaining possession high up the pitch.
His adaptability also allows him to function in multiple attacking roles. While primarily deployed as a winger, Dōan has successfully played as a central attacking midfielder or as part of a dual forward line, depending on the team’s formation. This flexibility gives Toppmöller more tactical options and could allow the manager to experiment with different setups throughout the season.
A Japanese Presence in German Football
Dōan is one of several Japanese players to have made a mark in German football over the past two decades. The Bundesliga has long been a welcoming destination for Japanese talent, with players like Shinji Kagawa, Makoto Hasebe, and Takumi Minamino all enjoying successful spells in Germany. In fact, Hasebe, a veteran defender and former captain of the Japanese national team, has been a mainstay at Eintracht Frankfurt for many years.
The presence of fellow countryman Hasebe at the club could help Dōan settle in quickly, both on and off the field. The two have played together for Japan and share a mutual respect. Having a mentor figure like Hasebe could be invaluable for Dōan as he transitions into his new environment and adapts to the expectations of a club now competing at the highest level in Europe.
Beyond individual relationships, Dōan’s signing continues a strong trend of Bundesliga clubs investing in Japanese players. These athletes often bring technical excellence, tactical discipline, and cultural professionalism—qualities that align well with the demands of German football.
Fan Reaction and Media Coverage
The news of Dōan’s move to Eintracht Frankfurt has been met with excitement by both sets of fans. Frankfurt supporters are thrilled by the club’s ambition, viewing Dōan as a significant upgrade to the squad’s attacking options. Many fans have taken to social media to welcome the Japanese star and express their optimism for the upcoming campaign.
Freiburg fans, while saddened to see a fan-favorite depart, have also expressed gratitude for Dōan’s contributions. During his time at the club, he not only delivered on the pitch but also became a symbol of Freiburg’s rising stature in German football.
Japanese media outlets have also covered the transfer extensively, highlighting Dōan’s progress in Europe and his growing influence within the national team setup. With the upcoming international calendar including qualifiers and major tournaments, consistent playing time at a high level like the Champions League will further enhance his position within Japan’s squad.
Looking Ahead: Dōan’s Potential Impact
As Eintracht Frankfurt looks ahead to a season that promises new challenges, Ritsu Dōan is expected to play a central role in the team’s aspirations. Whether starting matches or coming off the bench as an impact player, his energy and intelligence are likely to make him a key figure in Frankfurt’s campaign.
The club’s return to the Champions League adds another layer of significance. Competing against Europe’s elite will test the squad’s mettle and require contributions from every corner of the roster. Dōan’s prior experience in continental competition—through Europa League matches with Freiburg and PSV—should prove beneficial in navigating this higher level of competition.
Moreover, his presence could elevate the performance of his teammates. With Dōan occupying defenders and creating space, other forwards and midfielders might find more opportunities to operate. His ability to shift between lines and link up play can make Frankfurt’s attack more fluid and less predictable.
Final Thoughts
Ritsu Dōan’s move to Eintracht Frankfurt represents more than just a routine transfer—it is a strategic decision by a club with big ambitions. Frankfurt is building for success not only in the Bundesliga but also on the continental stage, and Dōan appears to be a perfect fit for their vision.
His combination of technical skill, international pedigree, and Bundesliga experience makes him a rare commodity in modern football. The five-year contract underscores the club’s confidence in his ability to contribute over the long term and signals their intent to build a competitive, well-rounded squad capable of contending with Europe’s best.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Dōan integrates into Toppmöller’s system, how he handles the increased expectations, and how his presence impacts the trajectory of a club on the rise.
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