Japan international Ritsu Doan set to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Pro League move

Al-Ittihad have reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt over the signing of Japan international Ritsu Doan, with the Saudi club now completing the final contractual procedures before confirming the transfer.

The deal is intended to strengthen Al-Ittihad’s squad and provide a replacement for Moussa Diaby, who has left the club to join Bayer Leverkusen. According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, the agreement between the two clubs has already been concluded, meaning the move is now dependent on the completion of formal steps rather than further negotiations.

Doan is therefore closing in on a new chapter in his career after spending a period playing in European football. The Japan international is expected to move to the Roshn Saudi League and become part of an Al-Ittihad side undergoing significant change during the current summer transfer window.

The club moved for Doan following Diaby’s departure, with the aim of adding a player capable of contributing in attacking roles and giving the team more options in the final third. Doan’s ability to operate in more than one attacking position was identified as one of the qualities that made him a suitable target.

His experience in European football was also viewed as an important factor in the decision. Al-Ittihad are rebuilding their squad and replacing several players who had become closely associated with the club’s previous project, making Doan a potentially important addition to the new-look team.

Al-Riyadiyah reported that the transfer agreement between Al-Ittihad and Eintracht Frankfurt is in place, while the remaining contractual procedures are expected to be completed before Doan officially moves to the Jeddah club. The announcement of the signing is consequently considered a matter of time.

The move forms part of a wider recruitment drive by Al-Ittihad, who are seeking to bring in new players after major changes to their squad during the summer. The club’s management wants to give the manager a broader range of options to implement his ideas and help establish a different identity for the team during the coming season.

If completed, Doan will effectively take the place of Diaby in Al-Ittihad’s squad. His arrival would offer the club an additional attacking option as it begins a new phase, while supporters await official confirmation and the Japanese player’s integration into the club’s latest project.

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