OFFICIAL STATEMENT | RYUNOSUKE SATO

Valencia CF has reached an agreement with FC Tokyo for the transfer of Ryunosuke Sato.

The 19-year-old midfielder (Nishitokyo, 16 October 2006) has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at the Club until 2031, and will become the first Japanese player to represent Valencia CF's men's first team.

Comfortable in a variety of midfield roles, whether cutting inside from the left, operating on the right or driving attacks from central areas, Sato stands out for his versatility, pace, technical quality and ability to combine with teammates, as well as his skill in beating opponents, particularly in tight spaces.

A product of FC Tokyo's academy, one of the most prestigious youth systems in Japan, Sato became the youngest player in the club's history to make his first-team debut at just 16 years of age in 2023. Since then, Valencia CF's new signing has established himself as one of the brightest emerging talents in Asian football.

His loan spell at Fagiano Okayama in 2025 proved to be a key step in his development. His impressive performances earned him the J1 League Young Player of the Year award and a place in the league's All-Star team, voted for by the fans. Back at FC Tokyo last season, he registered six goals and one assist in 19 official appearances.

At international level, Sato has been a key figure throughout Japan's youth national teams. Earlier this year, he helped his country win the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, where he was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player and finished as the top scorer with four goals. His rapid progress earned him his senior international debut in June 2025, and he has since made five official appearances, becoming the youngest player in Japan's history to feature in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match.