Valencia could lose Ryunosuke Sato for about a month to the 2027 Asian Cup | OneFootball

Valencia are closing in on the signing of Ryunosuke Sato for 2026/27, but the Japanese forward could miss around a month mid-season if selected for the 2027 Asian Cup.

Tokyo FC said in a statement that Sato will step away from team activities from 5 July due to transfer procedures and preparations, with a formal decision on his future to follow. The announcement comes as negotiations over his transfer continue.

He is expected to travel to Valencia, complete a medical and join Carlos Corberán's squad for a demanding pre-season, his first club spell outside Japan. Valencia want to return to Europe next season, and the versatile attacker can operate wide or centrally as he adapts to Spanish football.

The Asian Cup begins on 7 January, with Japan opening against Indonesia on 11 January. If they reach the final, it will be played on 5 February. Sato would have to join the national squad before the end of 2026 or in early 2027 if called.

Sato remains in Hajime Moriyasu's plans and has featured five times for the senior side. He debuted with 21 minutes in a World Cup qualifier, made three appearances at the East Asian Cup against Hong Kong, China and South Korea, then faced Ghana in a November friendly. He was in the March squad but did not play, and hopes a strong start in Valencia will push his Asian Cup case.

Source: Superdeporte