Who is this £5m Japanese ace on Manchester City’s radar? The next big Asian talent?

Who is Man City target Ritsu Doan? A good find by Pep once again?

According to the Sun, Premier League champions Manchester City are eyeing up a January move for Japanese starlet Ritsu Doan. The 20-year-old is currently playing for Dutch club Groningen in the Eredivisie. He was one of the stars for the Green-White Army last season, having scored nine goals and supplied three assists in 29 appearances.

As per the report (h/t Mirror), City are considering a £5m winter deal, although the Dutch club are not yet ready to sell. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also believed to be among the other clubs with ambitions to sign this young prodigy.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Japanese international, who is potentially an upcoming superstar.

Scout report – Ritsu Doan

Age – 20

Position – Attacking Midfielder (centre, left and right)

Current Club – Groningen

Doan was born in Amagasaki, Japan on June 16, 1998. He joined J1 League club Gamba Osaka in 2015. He made his debut against FC Seoul in the 2015 AFC Champions League. He struggled to get into the first-team at the beginning, playing for the U23 side.

In 2017, he moved to Groningen on a loan deal, which included an option of signing him on a permanent deal for three years. That option was exercised in April 2018, and the 20-year-old became a permanent player for Groningen in July 2018.

Doan is an attacking midfielder by trade. He is versatile and his flexibility helps the team to use him according to the requirement, which is a plus for any manager.

The Japanese possesses a great ability to play for the team on and off the ball. He can dribble past defenders in a flash to create space for a shot or pass towards the goal. His rapid pace allows him to be a genuine threat on the counter, which is always a frightening thing for any defender.

In August 2018, he received his first call-up from the Japan national team for the Kirin Cup.

Read More: 6 assists in 6 games: Time is right to bring this £6.2m Man City star into your FPL team

All in all, the rapid progress made by the 20-year-old is worthy of appreciation. No wonder big European clubs are keeping close tabs on him for a possible deal in the future.

Doan has the ability to become a superstar in the future. His next move could well decide his future in European football.