According to Sky Germany, VfB Stuttgart defender Hiroki Ito could become one of their most expensive sales ever with his current release clause.
When Ito extended his contract until 2027 at Stuttgart in the summer, a release clause was added. The clause in the Japanese defender’s contract is said to be worth around €30m.
If the 24-year-old does leave for that amount, he will be level with Mario Gomez for the second most expensive departure in the club’s history. Both are behind former Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard who left for Bavaria in 2019 for €35m.
For Stuttgart, they do not have to worry about a departure for Ito in the winter. Firstly he has recently picked up a muscular injury which will keep him out for the rest of the season, the club announced on Monday. Secondly, Ito himself has no interest in leaving in January and will see out the season with the club.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
