Valencia set to beat Feyenoord to Japanese talent Sato
Valencia is close to signing FC Tokyo winger Ryunosuke Sato, according to OneFootball.
The 19-year-old Japan international had also received a proposal from Feyenoord, but he has reportedly chosen Valencia as his next destination. The Spanish club is expected to pay around €4 million for the player.
Sato is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Japan. He has already made five appearances for the senior national team, and his ability to play from wide areas or between the lines has attracted attention in Europe.
Feyenoord had been exploring a deal and viewed him as a possible future option on the left side. FC Tokyo had reportedly been looking for a significant fee, with Dutch reports suggesting the Japanese club wanted around €6 million.
Valencia now appears to have moved ahead of the Dutch club. Sato has reportedly passed his medical in Spain, and the transfer would make him the first Japanese player in Valencia’s history.
The move also fits Valencia’s new recruitment direction under sporting director Lisandro Isei, with the club targeting younger players who can develop into first-team assets.
