Bayern Munich Open Door to Hiroki Ito Exit as Premier League Interest Builds

At German football giant Bayern Munich, the anticipated summer clear-out in line with squad planning and financial balance is bringing the name of Hiroki Ito to the forefront. 

For the Japanese defender, who was transferred from Stuttgart in 2024 with high hopes but saw his Bavarian adventure overshadowed by injuries, a parting of ways is closer than ever. 

Entering the Summer 2026 transfer window, Ito’s inability to secure sufficient game time and his struggle to escape "rotation player" status are pushing both the player and the club to evaluate new options.

Injuries and the Battle for Form

The 2025-26 season has been nothing short of a patience test for Ito. 

After returning to the pitch in the second half of this season following a severe foot injury last year, the 26-year-old has struggled to establish a solid place in Vincent Kompany’s system. Hamstring injuries in February and March prevented the Japanese international from finding his rhythm. Although he has been training with the team as of April and saw minutes in matches against St. Pauli, Stuttgart, and Mainz, falling behind names like Kim Min-jae and Upamecano has been the primary factor sounding the departure bells.

Bayern Waiting for "Reasonable" Offers

While the Bayern Munich management has not directly placed Hiroki Ito on the "for sale" list, they are quite open to incoming offers due to the club's new squad restructuring. 

Although the sporting directorate acknowledges the value of a left-footed centre back, Ito’s lack of continuity is viewed as a financial risk. 

Bayern’s plan to reinforce the defensive line with younger and more dynamic profiles this summer makes Ito a "sacrificeable" asset. 

Knowing the player's dissatisfaction and desire for more playing time, the club has signalled a "green light" for negotiations.

Valuation: The €20M-€25M Bracket

Bayern Munich aims to largely recoup the fee of approximately €23.5 million paid for the player in the summer of 2024. 

While the Japanese defender’s market value currently hovers around the €18 million mark, the Bavarian giants may open the door at the €30 million level. 

However, considering the player's recent injury history, a "concrete" offer in the €25 million range is highly likely to be accepted.

Transfer Route: Premier League Under Observation

Ito’s versatility, his ability to play as both a centre back and a left-back, is particularly drawing the attention of Premier League clubs:

Clubs such as Brighton, Leeds, and West Ham are known to be inquiring about the player’s status through intermediaries. 

Specifically, it is no secret that Brighton wishes to consolidate its power in the Japanese market by pairing Ito with his compatriot Mitoma.

There is currently no official written offer reaching Bayern’s offices. Representatives of interested clubs are closely scrutinizing Ito’s physical condition for the remainder of the season and whether he will suffer any injury relapses.

It is rumoured that Borussia Dortmund is keeping the Japanese player on their shortlist for defensive depth, though the priority remains the Premier League route.

Contract Status and Financial Burden

Ito’s contract with Bayern continues until June 30, 2028. This long-term deal strengthens Bayern’s hand in negotiations, while the player's annual salary burden of approximately €5M-€6M is at a manageable level for mid-table Premier League teams. It is anticipated that Ito would accept a similar wage scale at his new destination in exchange for a guarantee of regular playing time.