Eintracht Frankfurt have agreed to sell winger Ritsu Doan to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for a fee of €17 million. Only final formalities remain before the 28-year-old Japanese international completes his move.
The transfer ends Doan's stay at the club after just one season. Frankfurt had signed him from SC Freiburg last summer for approximately €21 million, meaning the sale results in a financial loss of around €4 million. Eintracht Frankfurt currently sit 9th in the Bundesliga standings with one point from their opening match.
Why is Frankfurt selling Ritsu Doan?
The decision to sell Doan is closely tied to the club's need to generate income before the transfer window closes. This financial pressure has accelerated the transaction. Simultaneously, the club is attempting to reinforce manager Adi Hütter's attack ahead of the deadline, aiming to complete two significant offensive moves at once.
Doan's influence within the team diminished significantly over the course of last season. Under former coach Albert Riera, the winger's importance waned. During the first half of the 2025/26 campaign, he had been a key figure, contributing four goals and four assists. All eight of his goal contributions came in Frankfurt victories, and he was directly involved in five of the team's seven league wins during that period.
How did Doan's performance develop?
The second half of the season saw a notable decline. Doan managed only one goal and one assist, and his previously vital role faded. Kicker noted the current situation, stating: "only final formalities remain before the 28-year-old completes the move".
Eintracht Frankfurt have scored three goals and conceded three so far this season, resulting in an even goal difference. In the title race, they trail leaders Bayern Munich by two points. Their next fixture is away at 11th-placed FSV Mainz 05 on September 12, 2026. You can view the full season fixtures on our site.
What other transactions is Frankfurt planning?
Alongside the sale of Doan, the club is working on another offensive reinforcement. Eintracht Frankfurt are working on a second loan spell for Nottingham Forest striker Arnaud Kalimuendo. The French forward scored six goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances during his initial loan spell last season.
The original loan agreement included a purchase option set at €27 million. Eintracht Frankfurt have declined to activate that option and are now negotiating a new loan deal instead. The club had not received concrete offers for other players such as Fares Chaïbi, Hugo Larsson, or Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
Adi Hütter's squad, as listed in our current squad overview, is preparing for the challenges ahead. The transfer of Ritsu Doan to Al-Ittihad is possible because the Saudi transfer window remains open beyond the German deadline. Eintracht Frankfurt's next match is against FSV Mainz 05 on September 12, 2026.
