FREIBURG, Germany (AP) – Europa League finalists Freiburg added to their Japan squad by signing Japan forward Keisuke Goto from Belgian club Anderlecht.
The Bundesliga club announced on Thursday that 21-year-old Goto, a member of Japan’s World Cup squad, has joined on a direct transfer. The length of his contract has not been disclosed.
Goto becomes the second Japanese player to join Freiburg since their defeat to Aston Villa in the Europa League final. Rihito Yamamoto came from Sint-Truiden, Belgium. Goto is the third signing of the summer, following Yamamoto and goalkeeper Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen.
Sporting Director Jochen Seyer said: “In Keisuke we have acquired an exciting player with interesting potential. His bold style of play will be a real asset for us.” “He likes to run in behind, he has a good sense of space and knows how to position himself in the penalty area. It will certainly take time to integrate and develop further, but he will do it. We are delighted.”
Goto joined Anderlecht from Japanese club Jubilo Iwata in January 2024 and spent last season on loan at Sint-Truiden. He played in 28 matches in the Belgian Pro League, scoring 10 goals and scoring a further 5 goals.
“Freiburg was already very interested in me for several months,” Goto said. “I felt from the beginning that the management really wanted me and that was one of the main reasons why I chose Freiburg. I also watched a few Europa League games. It’s a big club for me and I’m looking forward to next season.”
Goto should put his international responsibilities first. Japan will play against the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. World Cup Group F.
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