According to Japanese newspaper Sports Hochi, Japan national team coach Hajime Moriyasu commented on Ritsu Doan's potential transfer to Al-Ittihad and shared his views on the Saudi Pro League after attending a J1 League match between Kawasaki Frontale and Chiba Ichihara.

Regarding reports from Saudi media that Ritsu Doan is close to joining Al-Ittihad, Moriyasu declined to comment directly, stating: "This matter hasn't been confirmed yet, so I can't say much about it."

When discussing the Saudi Pro League, Moriyasu said: "I think the main difference lies in contract terms, particularly annual salaries. For players, earning money is a value in itself, and it also represents external recognition of you as an excellent player. I don't think that's a bad thing."

However, Moriyasu also believes there remains a level gap between the Saudi Pro League and Europe's top leagues.

He stated: "If we really compare with Europe, I think we need to be clear about whether the Saudi Pro League's level is higher. While many excellent players have indeed gone there, if we're talking about whether it's the highest level globally, I think it's still quite different from Europe's top five leagues."

Moriyasu also emphasized that playing as a foreign player, whether in Europe or the Middle East, demands are very high.

"In any case, whether in Europe or the Middle East as a foreign player, the demands will be very strict. So ultimately, it depends on what kind of environment the player puts himself in, and whether that environment can help him continue to progress. I hope they can take on challenges with growth as their goal."

Currently, Saudi reports indicate that Ritsu Doan has reached an agreement with Al-Ittihad at both club and personal levels, while German reports also indicate that Eintracht Frankfurt has not yet agreed to release him.

Al-Ittihad's current coach Jens Wissen previously coached Gamba Osaka and also worked with Ritsu Doan when he was a coach at PSV Eindhoven. The completion of the transfer will depend on further negotiations between all parties before the transfer window closes on September 2.

Traduit par IA.

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