Ryunosuke Sato - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates | FOX Sports

Leaves Japan camp early Sato has left the Japan national team camp early at his own request and will return to Valencia after playing the first 45 minutes against Venezuela, according to ElDesmarque.

Impact Sato opted to miss Japan's final two matches of the international break in order to return to Valencia and focus on his club commitments. The 19-year-old has been working to establish himself under manager Javier Aguirre and should now have additional time to adapt to the manager's system before domestic action resumes. His decision to return early could also give him an opportunity to strengthen his position in the attacking rotation.

SEPTEMBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Fully fit, trains without limitations Sato (ankle) is fully fit after training without limitations on Sunday and will be an option for Tuesday's clash againt Alaves.

Impact Sato had been substituted in the second half against Sevilla and was seen with an ice pack on his ankle, a scare that raised some concern after he had returned to the starting lineup in that match. His clean session now confirms the issue was not serious, positioning him to be available for the upcoming match at Deportivo Alaves.

SEPTEMBER 14 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves with ankle issue Sato was substituted in the second half against Sevilla and was seen with an ice pack on his ankle.

Impact Sato's status will need to be monitored after he was substituted in the second half against Sevilla with an ice pack on his ankle. The midfielder had returned to the starting XI after coming off the bench against Barcelona, so his availability will be worth tracking ahead of Tuesday's match at Deportivo Alaves

SEPTEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Poor showing offensively Sato had four shots (one on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat against Betis. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 26th minute.

Impact Though Sato put up four shots and five crosses, he didn't have a single accurate service and only one of his shots found the frame. That'll sting in a 1-0 loss. The midfielder has an interesting matchup looming as Alaves did allow 56 goals a year ago in LaLiga but have only conceded once through two games this season.

AUGUST 26 • ROTOWIRE

Signs five year deal with Valencia Sato has signed a five year contract with Valencia CF through 2031 after the club reached an agreement with FC Tokyo for his transfer, becoming the first Japanese player to represe...

Impact Sato became the youngest player in FC Tokyo's history to debut for the first team at age 16 in 2023, and registered six goals and one assist in 19 official appearances back at the club last season following a loan spell at Fagiano Okayama, where he won the J1 League Young Player of the Year award. He has been a key figure for Japan's youth national teams, helping the country win the AFC U23 Asian Cup as the tournament's MVP and top scorer with four goals, and became the youngest player in Japan's history to appear in a World Cup qualifying match following his senior debut last year. Comfortable across multiple midfield positions with his pace, technical quality and ability in tight spaces, Sato joins Valencia as a versatile long term addition to the midfield.

JULY 7 • ROTOWIRE