Blackburn eye Japanese attacking trio as Ryotaro Ito signs after medical
On 7 October, 28‑year‑old midfielder Ryotaro Ito arrived at Blackburn Rovers’ Blockhole Senior Training Centre, where he completed a medical ahead of a contract signing scheduled for the 9th, making the Japanese free‑agent’s move to the EFL Championship virtually certain.
Belgian stint and statistics
Ito joined Belgian first‑division side Sint‑Truiden in July 2023 after leaving Albirex Niigata. During his spell he became a regular attacking midfielder, recording 110 official matches with 19 goals and 14 assists, according to one source. Another source puts his Belgian tally at 10 goals and five assists, highlighting a discrepancy in the reported figures. His contract with Sint‑Truiden ran until the 2025/26 season, after which he departed as a free agent.
Blackburn Rovers already field two Japanese players – midfielder Ryuta Morishita and forward Yuki Ohashi – in the EFL Championship. The addition of Ito is expected to form a three‑player Japanese attacking unit, a prospect that has generated considerable anticipation among supporters.
The Lancashire Telegraph reported on the 8th that discussions with the club are progressing positively. According to the Telegraph, talks with the club are progressing positively and he is expected to become the fourth new signing under manager Tony Mowbray. The club’s medical check on the 7th confirmed his fitness, paving the way for a contract signing on the 9th.
Midfield reinforcement and registration deadline
Blackburn have recently seen Sidney Tavarez and Axel Henriksson leave, and a prospective signing of Brian de Kelsmaikel fell through, leaving a clear need for midfield depth. The club’s registration deadline for the home fixture against Millwall on the 12th is at noon on the 11th, meaning Ito could be eligible to debut in the next match if paperwork is completed in time.
Images from Getty capture Ito’s first training session at the Blockhole facility, underscoring the club’s enthusiasm for the new acquisition.
Ito’s arrival not only completes Blackburn’s Japanese trio but also adds a versatile attacking option as the team seeks to strengthen its midfield for the remainder of the season.