Valencia sign Japanese prodigy Ryonosuke Sato on five-year deal
Valencia have officially announced the signing of Japanese midfielder Ryonosuke Sato from FC Tokyo on a five-year contract running until the summer of 2031.
The 19-year-old is set to make history as the first Japanese player to feature for the Spanish club’s first team.
Known for his tactical versatility, Sato can operate as an inverted winger or as a central attacking midfielder. He has built a reputation in his homeland for his explosive pace, technical brilliance, and sharp vision in tight spaces.
The teenager’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After progressing through the FC Tokyo academy, he made his senior debut at just 16 to become the youngest player in the club’s history.
A standout loan spell at Fagiano Okayama in 2025 saw him named the J-League Young Player of the Year and earn a spot in the division’s All-Star team. He carried that form back to FC Tokyo, registering six goals and an assist in 19 appearances this season.
Sato’s domestic success is mirrored on the international stage. He recently captained Japan to glory in the AFC U-23 Championship, picking up both the Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot awards after netting four times.
The midfielder has already earned five caps for the senior Japanese national team, breaking yet another record as the youngest player in the country’s history to feature in a World Cup qualifier.
