Sanfrecce Hiroshima has officially announced the signing of forward Jermaine Ryo from Jubilo Iwata on December 25, 2024. The 29-year-old striker, who had a breakout season with Iwata, scoring 19 goals to tie for third place in the J1 scoring charts, seeks to contribute to Hiroshima's ambitions for league championships.
Ryo, who began his professional career at Vegalta Sendai after playing at Ryutsu Keizai University and Yokohama FC, has made his move amid Jubilo Iwata’s relegation to J2. Having made 32 appearances last season and becoming one of the standout forwards, he expressed his gratitude to Iwata, stating, "I feel a great responsibility for our relegation after giving 100% effort to stabilize Jubilo as we climbed back from J2. I have gratitude for the growth the club provided, allowing me to compete for the Golden Boot this season. Thank you to everyone connected with Jubilo!"
During his performance with Jubilo, Ryo showcased his scoring talent early on when he netted four goals against Kawasaki Frontale, marking him as one of the key players. His determination led him to surpass expectations, and he is now viewed as significant talent for Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who finished second last season and came close to securing the championship.
Upon joining, Ryo remarked, "Hello, I am Jermaine Ryo joining from Jubilo Iwata. It is my honor to become part of this club, which has a wonderful history and is one of the big clubs representing J-League today. I believe these next few years will be my prime. I am committed to dedicATING everything to Hiroshima’s league victory and trophy acquisition. I will play with all my strength to become a player loved by everyone. Let's win the championship together!" With such ambitions, Ryo’s addition aims at boosting the attack of Sanfrecce, who will be competing for the title.
Ryo’s move has been celebrated by fans of Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who are eager for the club to capitalize on this signing after missing out on the championship. His previous season's performance assures supporters of the potential benefits he can bring to the field.
The Japanese forward has mentioned his commitment to contribute to the club's successes. He aims to make the most of the opportunities presented to him during this pivotal period, having undergone significant personal growth throughout his career.
Final thoughts will be to watch how Ryo adapts to the new environment at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and whether he can help the team clinch the coveted title as he promises to give his all to the club.
