Freiburg officially announced the signing of Japanese midfielder Rihito Yamamoto; the contract length is unknown.

Freiburg released a statement on Wednesday confirming the signing of Japanese midfielder Rihito Yamamoto from Sint-Truiden. As is customary, neither side disclosed the specific length of the contract or related details.

According to multiple media reports, Rihito Yamamoto's transfer fee is between 6 million and 7 million euros.

Rihito Yamamoto, 24, began his professional career at Tokyo Verdy in Japan's J2 League. He then played for Gamba Osaka for two seasons before joining Sint-Truiden on a loan-to-buy deal in July 2023.

To date, Rihito Yamamoto has played three seasons for Sint-Truiden in the Belgian First Division A. During this time, he has made 98 appearances, scoring 5 goals and providing 10 assists.

At the national team level, Rihito Yamamoto has also performed exceptionally well. Although he has not yet been selected for the Japanese senior national team, he was already a key player in the U23 Asian Cup victory with the national Olympic team in 2024.

After the signing was completed, Freiburg's sporting director, Clemens Hartenbach, said: "Rihito Yamamoto made significant progress last season. He is indeed a typical versatile midfielder. His greatest strength is his very complete abilities. Therefore, he can play a key role both on and off the ball."

Hartenbach concluded, "What he needs to do next is integrate into the team as quickly as possible and continue to improve in the details. We have high expectations for him!"

Rihito Yamamoto added: "The Bundesliga has always been one of my long-term goals. I have also spoken with Yuito Suzuki about Freiburg, and he gave me positive feedback. As a midfielder, I aspire to impact the game and grow with the team. I am very much looking forward to playing here."

Image source: Internet/X