Freiburg sign Japan international striker Keisuke Gotō from Anderlecht
Freiburg have completed the signing of striker Keisuke Gotō from Belgian top-flight side Anderlecht.
Gotō, who is part of Japan’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, spent last season on loan at fellow Jupiler Pro League outfit Sint-Truiden, where he registered 10 goals and five assists in 28 league appearances.
The 21-year-old joined Anderlecht in summer 2024 but mainly played for the club’s reserves, scoring 13 goals in 31 appearances for RSCA Futures in Belgium’s second-tier. He also found the net three times in 10 outings for the senior side.
“In Keisuke, we’ve managed to sign an exciting player with a lot of potential,” said Freiburg board member for sport Jochen Saier. “His aggressive style of play will be a great asset for us.
“He likes making deep runs, has good awareness and knows exactly where to position himself in the penalty area. He’ll certainly need a little time to settle and develop, which he’ll get here. We’re delighted.”
Gotō added: "Freiburg were very interested in me a few months ago. From the beginning, I got the impression that the club’s management really wanted me, which is one of the main reasons I chose Freiburg.
“I’ve also watched a few of their games in the Europa League. They’re a great club and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season.”
Gotō, who stands at 6'3", represented Japan at U16, U19 and U23 level before making his senior international bow in a 2-0 friendly victory over Ghana in November last year. He made his full debut for the Samurai Blue in a 1-0 win against Scotland in March - the second of four caps to date.
He is the second Japanese player to sign for Freiburg since the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, after 24-year-old midfielder Rihito Yamamoto joined from Sint-Truiden last month.
