Atsuki Ito joins Bolton Wanderers on permanent three-year deal

Bolton Wanderers, competing in the English Championship, has announced the permanent signing of Japanese midfielder Atsuki Ito from Belgian club KRC Gent. The transfer fee remains undisclosed, and the 28-year-old has signed a three-year contract, subject to visa and international clearance.

Ito becomes only the fourth Japanese player in Bolton's history, and the first to join on a permanent transfer. He previously played for Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan before moving to Gent in 2024. Ito, who has earned three caps for the Japanese national team, noted that the club's enthusiastic approach was a deciding factor in his move. He expressed his intention to contribute to the team's success, highlighting his ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder in both the number 8 and number 10 roles.