FC Bayern have completed the signing of defender Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart.

The 25-year-old Japan international has put pen to paper on a contract with the German record champions until 30 June 2028.

On signing the deal, Hiroki Ito said: “It’s a great honour for me to be able to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Bayern is also a big name in Japan. I always gave my all for VfB Stuttgart and am grateful to the club.

“Now I’m looking forward to the challenge in Munich and I want to play my part in Bayern winning lots of trophies. It was time to take a new step, and for me FC Bayern is the perfect club to do so.”

Max Eberl, Bayern board member for sport: “We’re delighted that we’ve signed Hiroki Ito for Bayern. We want hungry players who are going to bring in fresh energy, and Hiroki has everything we want: he’s a player who embraces challenges, overcomes them and continues to make his way in the game.

“He already has a lot of experience for a 25-year-old and can handle pressure, whether it’s in a relegation play-off or when playing for the Champions League. He’ll really strengthen us straight away.”