After a strong start to the season
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SC Freiburg has countered rumors about a possible move for Ritsu Doan during the winter break. That’s not an issue at all, said sports director Jochen Saier on the sidelines of the Bundesliga game against 1. FSV Mainz 05.
The 26-year-old Japanese international has “developed really well” and “delivered very consistently over many months. He is extremely hard-working, feels safe with us, is a great goal threat and has good scorer points. It is clear that there is interest. But a winter change will not be an issue,” emphasized Saier on “DAZN”.
The broadcaster “Sky” had previously reported that Doan’s departure in the winter could not be ruled out if a top offer reached Freiburg. The sports club is hoping for a transfer fee of around 20 million euros for its most valuable player (market value: 18 million euros), but 15 million would be more realistic, it was said. Doan is contractually bound to Breisgauer until 2027.
Saier said: “That’s not an issue at all. He knows that [Florian Plettenberg; Anm. d. Red.] more than me. He’s not 100 percent well informed. I would definitely rule out a change in winter. We want to have a successful season and he is a very important factor. A winter change is not an issue.”
