New Japanese signing for our Red Bulls

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FC Red Bull Salzburg

·9 Juni 2025

New Japanese signing for our Red Bulls

Sota Kitano moves from the J1 League to FC Red Bull Salzburg

In Sota Kitano, a very promising attacker from Japan is joining us in Salzburg. The 20-year-old attacking all-rounder is signing from Cerezo Osaka and has penned a contract running until 30 June 2029.

The new signing developed in the youth ranks of Cerezo Osaka and has played during this time for the Japanese under-20 team. The quick attacker has made a total of 91 appearances for the first team of his club (with 13 goals and 6 assists).

Video OneFootball

Kitano will wear the number 8 jersey for us and play along with his countryman Takumu Kawamura. He is joining training immediately.

Details

Born: 13 August 2004 Height: 1,72 m Last club: Cerezo Osaka Position: Attacking midfield

Views

We have had Sota Kitano on our radar for a long time already and have scouted him very intensively. He is a two-footed, very creative and determined player, has a high work rate, is a real team player and can take any position in attack up to centre-forward. With his ability and potential he is a superb match for the FC Red Bull Salzburg philosophy. Sota will have to settle in with us first, of course, and we will support him with that, as will his countryman Takumu Kawamura.

Rouven Schröder

My biggest aims with FC Red Bull Salzburg are to win titles with the team and develop myself as a player and a person. I haven't yet met my team-mate Takumu Kawamura, but when I was sure I would be moving here, I contacted him and said that I am looking forward to our time playing together. My game is about moving into areas that are difficult to defend. I am also a player that can score goals and provide assists.

Sota Kitano