Valencia close to signing Ryunosuke Sato, Japan forward, 19 | OneFootball

Valencia are close to completing a deal for Ryunosuke Sato, one of Japan’s brightest prospects at 19. According to Superdeporte, the FC Tokyo attacker, J1 League’s best young player in 2025, has attracted strong European interest.

A product of FC Tokyo’s academy, he rose quickly from youth football to the first team. Quick, direct and tactically flexible, he plays wide, as a No 10 or in narrow attacking roles. He often starts on the flank then cuts inside on diagonals, carrying the ball at speed and excelling one v one.

For FC Tokyo B in 2022-23 he delivered 4 goals and 6 assists, earning promotion at 17. He made 5 J1 appearances in 2023-24 as his professional debut season. A loan to Fagiano Okayama followed, bringing 28 games, 2,044 minutes, 6 goals and 2 assists.

Back at FC Tokyo this season he has 19 league matches, 1,304 minutes, 6 goals and 1 assist. He also played in the Japanese league’s All-Star event this week, featuring in the final and scoring.

Internationally, Sato progressed through every youth level before a senior breakthrough. He has 5 caps for Japan, debuting at 18. He was named MVP and top scorer at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026, leading his side’s campaign.

If the move goes through, Valencia would add a young, versatile forward with valuable international experience who fits their development plan.

Source: Superdeporte