Japan national team key striker Junya Ito (32, Stade de Reims) has been placed on the release list.
Japanese 'Soccer Digest' reported on the 2nd (Korea time) that "Reims, which has been relegated to the French second division, has decided to release Japanese national team striker Ito! Reims was relegated after losing in the promotion-relegation playoff (PO)."
Reims is a team that has three Japanese players. Ito, Keito Nakamura, and Hiroki Sekine are all national team resources. In particular, Ito has a significant role in coach Hajime Moriyasu's squad, having recorded 1 goal and 6 assists in 8 matches during the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. Nakamura has also secured a spot in the national team since the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup.
However, Reims could not avoid relegation last season. Reims finished 16th out of 18 teams in Ligue 1 and faced off against Metz, which placed 3rd in Ligue 2, in the promotion-relegation playoff (PO). Unfortunately, they collapsed in this crucial match.
In the first leg of the promotion-relegation PO, Reims drew 1-1, and the second leg at home also ended in a 1-1 draw. They then entered extra time. Reims conceded goals in the 50th and 54th minutes and fell to defeat, losing the aggregate score 2-4 and dropping to the second division for the first time in 8 seasons. Both Ito and Nakamura started and played the full match but could not prevent the team's relegation.
Currently, Reims has a glimmer of hope. Olympique Lyon has been demoted due to financial issues, raising the possibility that Reims could miraculously remain in Ligue 1. However, Lyon plans to respond legally, claiming they can sufficiently resolve the issues, so it remains merely a possibility for now.
If this continues, three national team players may have to play in the French second division a year before the World Cup, which is not something Japan football wants as they seek to exceed the Round of 16 and challenge for the title under coach Hajime Moriyasu.
However, Ito has been allowed to transfer to another team. Reims has decided to let him go. According to the French 'L'Union', Reims plans to sell Ito if a serious offer comes in due to a significant salary burden and only one year remaining on his contract. The media explained that "Ito may leave Reims this summer. His contract runs until 2026."
Japanese 'Football Channel' stated that "Reims hinted at the release of Ito. His future remains uncertain." While it would be welcoming if Ito could transfer to a Ligue 1 club or a better team, there is also a possibility of the opposite situation. Last season, he had only 4 goals and 6 assists in 39 matches, so it is uncertain whether Reims will receive a satisfactory offer.
On the other hand, Nakamura is expected to remain at Reims. Reims sees him as part of the club's future and is determined to keep him to achieve promotion to Ligue 1. The newly appointed coach Karel Gerarts also views Nakamura, who scored 12 goals last season, as a key player.
Even the club president has stepped in to keep Nakamura. L'Union reported that "President Jean-Pierre Caillot has made a decision. He recognizes Nakamura's importance. Despite the difficult salary of 1 million euros (approximately 1.6 billion won), which is unsustainable in Ligue 2, he will not spare financial efforts to keep Nakamura. The message is clear: Japanese national team player Nakamura is not for sale."
Japanese fans have reacted understandably. They commented, "Considering Ito's age and last year's poor performance, re-signing him is difficult. His release seems inevitable," and "Given the contract conditions and age, it makes sense to sell Ito." At the same time, they expressed concern: "I’m not sure if Reims can keep Nakamura. No one wants to be on a weak team," and "Is there no way for Nakamura? Doing this in the World Cup year in the French second division is disappointing," and "Being tied to the second division in an important season is painful."
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