Bayern Munich are on the verge of finalising a deal for Stuttgart defender Hiroki Ito, a player who has also been on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar.
That is according to the latest from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed the reports that the agreement is finalised on the player’s side. As per him, the Bundesliga giants have triggered the €30m release clause in the player’s contract.
Romano shared the update on X:
“Bayern are closing in on Hiroki Itō deal from Stuttgart by triggering €30m release clause!Agreement being finalised also on player side… 25 year old Japanese defender, set to become one more addition for Kompany.”
🚨🔴 Bayern are closing in on Hiroki Itō deal from Stuttgart by triggering €30m release clause!
Agreement being finalised also on player side, as revealed by @altobelli13 on BILD.
25 year old Japanese defender, set to become one more addition for Kompany. pic.twitter.com/t8UazzFKfr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2024
This development may come as a setback for Tottenham Hotspur, who had been linked with Ito in recent weeks.
Club correspondent for Football London, Alasdair Gold, recently confirmed that Spurs were monitoring the Stuttgart defender. It was reported that the North London side has identified him as a potential centre-back target.
Postecoglou wants to bolster the defence
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has emphasised the need to strengthen the team’s defence. Despite bringing in Radu Dragusin from Genoa in January, the club remains keen on securing another centre-back. Injuries and suspensions to key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero last season have highlighted the need for additional defensive reinforcements.
The squad’s defensive depth has been further affected by the departure of Eric Dier in January, the recent release of Japhet Tanganga, and the impending exit of Joe Rodon.
With Ito now set to join former Spurs centre-back Eric Dier at Bayern Munich, Tottenham will need to look elsewhere to bolster their defence.
For Bayern, Ito’s signing represents a significant addition to their defensive options. The 25-year-old Japanese defender’s versatility and skills will be a valuable asset as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
With Ito no longer an option, Tottenham will have to quickly identify and pursue alternative targets to reinforce their backline. The club’s transfer strategy will be crucial as they look to build a strong squad capable of competing at the highest level in the Premier League.
