Ritsu Doan makes shock transfer U-turn! Japan star rejects multi-million Al-Ittihad move to stay at Eintracht Frankfurt

Doan halts Saudi switch

Doan has rejected a move to Al-Ittihad due to personal reasons, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The winger pulled the plug on the transfer just hours after Kicker reported that both clubs had agreed a €17 million fee. The 28-year-old Japan international is now heading back to Frankfurt instead of completing the switch.

Financial motives spark negotiations

Frankfurt had only opened the door to a sale to ease immediate financial pressures. The German club were ready to take a €4 million loss on the €21 million they paid SC Freiburg last year, but the deal ultimately fell through. Manager Adi Hutter had always wanted to keep the winger in his squad this season.

Winger targets German resurgence

Doan remains under contract until June 2030 and is determined to rediscover his best form in Germany. The 2025-26 campaign proved challenging as he struggled to replicate his Freiburg output, despite registering five goals and five assists in 31 Bundesliga outings. His decision to stay preserves Frankfurt's attacking depth without the need for a late replacement.

Bundesliga return on horizon

Having sat out Frankfurt's 3-3 draw at Union Berlin on the opening weekend, the wide man is back in contention. Hutter's side now turn their focus to Sunday's home clash against Augsburg. The player's availability provides the manager with an immediate attacking boost ahead of the fixture.