(Reuters) - Gamba Osaka attacking midfielder Ritsu Doan has secured a move to Dutch club FC Groningen on a season-long loan deal, the J-League side on Friday.
The 19-year-old Japanese helped his country win the under-19 Asian championship title for the first time last year and was named the tournament's best player.
"My hard work over the year will be important. I am going to make a killer effort," Doan told a news conference.
"Their enthusiasm was the main factor. It really came across that they want to play me. I feel bad (for Gamba) about the timing of the move and I am grateful they have given me their backing."
Doan, who represented Japan at the under-20 World Cup in South Korea earlier this month, will join the Eredivisie side when the transfer window opens on July 1.
(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)
