*This content was translated by AI.
Hajime Moriyasu (58), head coach of the Japan national football team, stated that "earning money is one of the values a player holds," in response to rumors about Doan Ritsu (28, Frankfurt) potentially transferring to Saudi Arabia.
According to Japanese outlet 'Sports Hochi', Coach Moriyasu made these remarks on the 29th after watching the J1 League Round 4 match between Kawasaki and Chiba.
According to media reports, Coach Moriyasu refrained from commenting further on recent Saudi media reports suggesting Doan was close to joining Al Ittihad, calling it "uncertain news."
However, he expressed a positive stance toward the prospect of playing in the Saudi league. He said, "There will likely be differences in conditions such as salary. Earning money is also part of a player's values, and since it reflects an evaluation that he is a good player, it is not a bad thing."
He continued, "While many good players are moving to Saudi Arabia, if asked whether they truly reach world-class levels, the answer differs somewhat from Europe's top five leagues." Nevertheless, he added, "Whether in Europe or the Middle East, the standards required for foreign players are extremely strict. Regardless of where they play, I hope they challenge themselves toward places that help them grow."
To date, there has been no case of an active Japanese national team player moving directly from a major European league to the Saudi league. Al Ittihad is reportedly targeting Doan as a replacement for Moussa Diaby, who is returning to Bayer Leverkusen, offering a transfer fee of 18 million euros (approximately 28.8 billion won) and an annual salary of 9 million euros (approximately 14.4 billion won), including tax exemptions.
Al Ittihad is the same club that previously offered Son Heung-min a substantial sum of around 48 billion won, which was rejected, before signing Diaby.
Local reports on Doan's potential transfer are conflicting. German outlet 'Wie Score' reported that negotiations between clubs have reached their final stage, noting that while Frankfurt initially rejected the offer, financial difficulties led them to change their stance regarding the high transfer fee. In contrast, German outlet 'Bild' reported that Frankfurt head coach Adi Hütter persuaded Doan to stay following a personal meeting.
Al Ittihad, linked with Doan, is currently managed by Jens Wissing, who previously served as head coach of Gamba Osaka. Coach Wissing has a prior connection with Doan, having coached him during his time at PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. The Saudi transfer market closes on September 2.
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*This content was translated by AI.
