Hamburger SV have announced the arrival of Tatsuya Ito on a free transfer. The striker, who can also play on the wing, has signed a three-year deal and will join the HSV youth academy from Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol. He is certainly one to keep an eye on in the future.
The 18-year-old will play for Hamburg's U19 first and can show his qualities there. The HSV want to acquaint Ito to the professional squad.
Everyone delighted with the new signing
Hamburg's U19 coach, Daniel Petrowsky, is extremely delighted about the new youth player and said: "We are happy that we completed the signing of a high-class player for our youth team."
The 38-year old coach added that, "HSV will give its best to have Tatsuya Ito settle very quickly and make the player feel comfortable."
Also Peter Knäbel, the sporing director of Hamburg, gave his opinion: "HSV attempted to sign Tatsuya Ito, because we are absolutely convinced about his qualities."
Ito has been on HSV's radar for a long time
Hamburg started to scout the player in April 2014, where HSV's then-U17 took part in the Al-Ain Cup in Dubai. The young Japanese attacker shone, and became the most valuable player of the tournament.
Subsequently, HSV invited the youth player to Hamburg twice and tried to convince him of their youth concept and training conditions.
The 1.66m-tall striker was delighted, and rejected offers from Manchester City and Inter Milan to join the Bundesliga club.
After the signing, Ito will be housed in Hamburg's training centre in Norderstedt.
Tatsuya Ito finished school in Japan and even started to learn German, which will be helpful to integrating quickly with new teammates.
Replacement for talented Krol
HSV have found a replacement for the highly sought-after youngster Melvin Krol, who joined league rivals Werder Bremen this summer on a free transfer.