Eintracht Frankfurt Target Freiburg’s Ritsu Doan and New Winger Additions for Summer Transfer Window

Currently, Eintracht Frankfurt features only 23-year-old Ansgar Knauff as a natural right winger within its squad. To address this tactical thinness, club leadership has compiled a shortlist of potential acquisitions spanning France, Scotland, and the Bundesliga, with Doan among the candidates.

The Ritsu Doan Profile and Valuation

Ritsu Doan joined SC Freiburg in 2022 from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven for 8,5 million euros, according to Transfermarkt. The 26-year-old Japanese international is under contract with Freiburg until 2027. Despite that long-term commitment, reporting indicates that the Sport-Club would be willing to part with their second-highest scorer behind Vincenzo Grifo for 15 Mio. Euro.

Doan has recorded 12 goal involvements across 24 appearances in this season. Beyond his on-field production, securing the Japan national team’s number ten would align with Eintracht’s plan to further establish a foothold in the Japanese market. Eintracht-Legende Makoto Hasebe is currently working on building an Eintracht academy in his home country.

“I’ve always wanted to play for a big club in the Champions League,” Doan stated in the summer of 2023. That ambition could align with Frankfurt’s current trajectory, as there is a six-point lead over fifth-placed Freiburg, plus a significant difference in goal difference.

Alternative Targets: Bakwa and Kühn

Alongside Doan, Eintracht Frankfurt is tracking RC Strasbourg Alsace winger Dilane Bakwa, according to Transfermarkt. The 22-year-old French under-21 international joined Strasbourg from Bordeaux in 2023 for 10 Mio. Euro and has seen his market value rise to 15 million euros after recording nine goal contributions in 19 Ligue 1 appearances this season. Bakwa is tied to Strasbourg until 2027, and Frankfurt maintains a good connection with his agency, Sport Cover, following the recent transfer of Michy Batshuayi from Galatasaray Istanbul to Frankfurt.

Celtic Glasgow winger Nicolas Kühn also appears as a candidate, though Sport Bild notes he is not currently among the top candidates for the SGE. The 25-year-old has tallied 18 goals and 12 assists this season, including a goal in the 1:1 Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Kühn’s contract with Celtic runs through 2029.

Next Steps for Eintracht’s Squad Planning

Krösche and the Frankfurt recruitment team face critical squad-building decisions following the 75 Mio. Euro transfer of Omar Marmoush to Manchester City managed through CAA Stellar—the same agency that represents Doan. Frankfurt will continue monitoring player availability and financial parameters as the domestic season moves toward its concluding months before opening formal negotiations.