Bayern Munich has informed defender Hiroki Ito about a potential transfer. The Japanese player is fourth-choice in central defense and could leave the club if he seeks a new challenge.
Why is Ito facing an exit?
The 26-year-old Ito struggles for playing time at Bayern. With Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, and Kim Min-jae as the established starters in defense, as well as Josip Stanišić as another option, the Japanese player has little chance of regular appearances. The competition is also fierce on the left side of defense, where Alphonso Davies and new signing Nathaniel Brown occupy the positions.
What does the sports director say?
Max Eberl confirmed the difficult situation for Ito. "If he himself believes that he won’t get playing time and considers a transfer, we will respond accordingly," said Eberl. However, the club has no active plans to sell him but will only react to Ito’s possible initiative.
What’s next?
Ito still has a contract until 2028, but his chances of regular playing time are slim. The decision now lies with him. If he stays, he must prove himself in the preseason. Bayern begins an Asia tour in Korea on August 1, which could be Ito’s last chance to make an impression.
