Sato's future at Valencia becomes complicated
The Japanese player arrived as the great future proposal for the Valencia club, but has disappeared since Corberán left.
Ryonosuke Sato, a 20-year-old Japanese footballer, is among those who might leave in the upcoming transfer market of Valencia CF as he has very little future with Javier Aguirre in the Mestalla dugout. The player has gone 50 days without playing a single minute, has not had opportunities with the Mexican coach, and has just been left out of Japan's squad. His lack of involvement forces the club to explore alternatives for his future.
The situation is particularly concerning because Valencia invested 4 million euros in his signing last summer and signed him to a contract until 2031. Without continuity in Spain, a loan appears as a possibility to regain his participation in competitions.
RYUNOSUKE SATO is having fun in Mestalla juggling the ball ahead of the Valencia CF - Real Betis match. QUALITY ✨️ 📹 adrianpizarronava https://t.co/rCanpeYa6O
— FansValenciaCF 🦇 (@FansValenciacf) August 26, 2026
Ryonosuke Sato is not in Javier Aguirre's plans
Ryonosuke Sato's last appearance with the first team took place on September 11, during the match against Sevilla. Since then, the player has not participated in an official match.
With Carlos Corberán, he played 297 minutes spread over the first five matchdays of LaLiga, even starting in three matches. However, his situation changed after the coach's dismissal. Sato vanishes from Valencia.
During the provisional period of Óscar Sánchez, Sato also did not get minutes against Alavés and Real Sociedad. Other youth players received opportunities ahead of the Japanese, who ended up losing presence in the call-ups.
The arrival of Javier Aguirre has not altered his situation either. The Mexican coach still has not granted him any minutes, despite the player returning early from a training camp with Japan to join his training sessions.
This decision was made by mutual agreement between the player, the club, and the Japanese federation. The goal was to facilitate his adaptation to the new coaching staff, but the change has not translated into opportunities.
Valencia CF is studying what to do with Sato in January
Ryonosuke Sato's situation has also had international repercussions. Japan has announced its call-up for November, and the player is not included among the selected, after having participated in the September camp.
The sporting problem coincides with a pending decision in the offices. Braulio Vázquez, responsible for the sports management, will need to assess whether it is advisable to keep a player who cost 4 million euros without playing any minutes.
Although Sato is registered with the B team, he is part of the first team's planning. His contract until 2031 would allow for a loan without the need to permanently part with his rights.
January could be the solution for Sato
Before January, he will have an opportunity to change his situation. Valencia CF will play its Copa del Rey tie against UE Tavernes on Tuesday, November 10 at Mestalla, a match that could allow him to regain minutes.
Furthermore, the Asian Cup, initially scheduled between January 7 and February 5, 2027, has been postponed to December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, with the new dates pending FIFA approval.
The next decision will depend on his participation in the Cup and the opportunities he receives before the winter market. If Ryonosuke Sato continues not to play, Valencia will have to consider an exit in January to avoid him completing almost half a season without competitive continuity.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Se complica el futuro de Sato en el Valencia