Gamba Osaka midfielder Ritsu Doan will join Eredivisie side FC Groningen on a one-year loan, the club announced on Friday.

The 19-year-old has three goals in nine appearances for Gamba in the current MEIJI YASUDA J1 League campaign, in addition to one goal from six matches in this year’s AFC Champions League.

He has also impressed on the international level for Japan, earning MVP honours in last year’s AFC Under-19 Championship and scoring three goals from four full appearances in the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup.

“For the last year I’ve wanted to go overseas, and [that desire] grew incredibly stronger during the U-20 World Cup,” Doan said at a press conference announcing the move. 

“I’m sorry to leave the team after becoming a part of the main squad, but I’m thankful to have the support of the club and want to work hard in the coming year.”