Valencia Signs Japanese Star Ryonosuke Sato

Valencia has officially announced the signing of Japanese midfielder Ryonosuke Sato from Tokyo FC, with a contract extending for five years until the summer of 2031. The 19-year-old will become the first Japanese player to wear the first team jersey of the Spanish club.

Sato is known for his versatility in midfield, capable of playing as a winger cutting inside or as an attacking midfielder. He is recognized for his speed, high technical skills, and ability to create plays and navigate through tight spaces.

Sato progressed through the Tokyo FC academy before making his first-team debut at the age of sixteen, becoming the youngest player in the club's history. He shone during his loan spell at Fagiano Okayama in 2025, winning the J-League Young Player of the Year award and being selected for the All-Star team, before returning to Tokyo FC where he scored 6 goals and provided an assist in 19 matches this season.

On the international stage, Sato is one of Japan's rising talents, having led his country to victory in the AFC U-23 Championship, where he was named the tournament's best player and finished as the top scorer with four goals. He has also played five matches for the senior Japanese national team, becoming the youngest player in Japan's history to participate in a World Cup qualifying match.