Tokyo: Gamba Osaka star Ritsu Doan has agreed a season-long loan move to Holland’s FC Groningen, the J.League side announced on Friday.
Doan, who helped Japan win last year’s AFC U-19 Championship and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in the process, will officially join the Eredivisie side on July 1.
"My hard work over the year will be important. I am going to make a killer effort," Doan told a news conference.
"Their enthusiasm was the main factor. It really came across that they want to play me. I feel bad [for Gamba] about the timing of the move and I am grateful they have given me their backing."
The talented 19-year-old was also rumoured to be on the radar of both PSV Eindhoven and Ajax following a stellar display at the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup in Korea Republic.
Photos: AFC, FC Groningen
Source: the-afc.com