Bayern sets price tag for Ito! Agent is already looking for a new club | OneFootball

Squad planning at FC Bayern is in full swing. While the Munich club is working on signing Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari, there could soon be movement on the departures front. Signs of a possible transfer are particularly mounting for Hiroki Ito.

Hiroki Ito was actually expected to play a key long-term role in FC Bayern’s defense. Expectations were high after his move from VfB Stuttgart. But the Japanese player’s first season in Munich was anything but ideal.

Several injuries repeatedly set the 27-year-old back. In particular, recurring metatarsal issues prevented Ito from finding a consistent rhythm and reaching his full potential.

Now, a departure this summer seems entirely possible.

Bayern signals willingness to let him go

As BILD soccer editor Christian Falk reports in the Bayern Insider podcast, Bayern have already signaled internally that a transfer of the defender would be possible.

According to the report, Ito is by no means being actively pushed for a sale. Nevertheless, the Japanese international’s advisors are said to have been informed that the club would be open to talks if a suitable offer were to come in.

Particularly interesting: According to Falk, Ito is currently being heavily promoted on the Spanish market.

The connection to Spain is no coincidence. Ito is regarded as a technically strong and tactically intelligent defender whose qualities could be a particularly good fit for the style of soccer played there. Teams that place a high value on possession and a clean build-up play are likely to find the Japanese player particularly appealing.

While no specific suitors have been identified yet, initial behind-the-scenes talks appear to be underway.

Bayern sets price for Ito

Photo: IMAGO

The club’s management also appears to have a clear idea regarding the player’s financial valuation. According to information from BILD, Munich’s bottom line is around 20 million euros.

Whether this sum can actually be realized in the end remains to be seen. A compromise involving a lower fixed transfer fee and additional bonus payments is also conceivable.

A potential departure of Ito would inevitably impact the record champions’ future transfer plans.

Currently, Vincent Kompany has several options for the center of defense in Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, Min-jae Kim, and Hiroki Ito. If only Ito were to leave the club, another new signing would not be absolutely necessary.

The situation would be different if Min-jae Kim were also sold.

Decision could come after the World Cup

In that case, Bayern would likely have to take action. Numerous names have been mentioned in recent weeks. Among others, Yann Aurel Bisseck of Inter Milan, Gleison Bremer of Juventus Turin, and Rúben Dias of Manchester City have repeatedly surfaced in the rumors.

So far, however, none of these candidates have materialized. The reason is obvious: Munich must first generate revenue before major investments on the transfer market become possible.

Currently, there are many indications that the Ito situation will only become clearer after the World Cup.

One thing is certain, however: The defender is now among the players for whom FC Bayern is fundamentally open to a transfer. Should a suitable offer arrive, the Munich defense could undergo more significant changes this summer than previously expected.