Bayern unveil blockbuster signing Ito: "He has everything we want."

Following reports emerging earlier in the day, FC Bayern München have wasted little time in unveiling their first major summer signing. VfB Stuttgart standout  Hiroki Ito will move to the German record champions for a reported €23 million transfer fee that could rise as high as €28 million with bonuses. The figures are reported by Germany's preeminent footballing publication, Kicker Magazine. 

The left-footed Ito has experience both as a central defender and a left-back, meaning that Bayern have brought in a potential solution to two of their problems on the back-line. FCB front office executives Max Eberl and Christoph Freund were keen to take a victory lap at the Japanese international's official introduction. 

“We want hungry players who bring in new energy," Eberl said, "Hiroki has everything we want: He is a player who accepts challenges, overcomes them and continuously makes his way. At 25, he's already gained a lot of experience and can handle pressure, whether it's in a relegation play-off or a chance to play in the Champions League. He will immediately be a real boost for us."

“Hiroki Ito was reliability personified at VfB Stuttgart," Freund added, "he has consistently performed at the top level and has thus caught the eye of some top international clubs. Hiroki is tall, aggressive, has a strong left foot, an excellent passing game and is versatile in defense because he can play on the left side as well as center back."

“It's a great honor for me to be able to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world,” the player himself added, “FC Bayern also enjoy a solid reputation in Japan."