Ryunosuke Sato
VAL
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.
Analysis: 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.
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.
Analysis: 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.
Leaves with ankle issue
Sato was substituted in the second half against Sevilla and was seen with an ice pack on his ankle.
Analysis: 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
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.
Analysis: 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.
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 represent Valencia's men's first team, according to the club.
Analysis: 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.
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