Persija Jakarta has successfully completed the acquisition of Ryo Matsumura from Thai League 1 powerhouse BG Pathum United as part of their strategic efforts to bolster the team for the forthcoming 2023/24 season. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder, who has previously been on loan at Police Tero FC and Persis Solo, now adds depth to Persija’s roster following the signings of Rizky Ridho from Persebaya Surabaya and Akbar Arjunsyah from Gresik United.
Hailing from Japan, Ryo began his career at the Vissel Kobe academy before moving through various clubs such as Tochigi SC, Tokushima Vortis, and Nagano Parceiro. In 2019, Ryo made his debut in Southeast Asian football by joining Rayong FC, who secured promotion to the Thai League 1 after finishing third in the Thai League 2.
After a one-year stint at Rayong, Ryo joined Chiangmai FC in 2020, where he made 34 appearances and scored 16 goals during the 2020/21 season. Subsequently, Ryo transitioned to BGPU through the Glass Rabbits’ association with the Lanna Tigers. While at BGPU, he won the 2021 Thailand Champions Cup but struggled to gain significant playing time, making only six league appearances. A loan move to Police Tero also proved unfruitful, with Ryo featuring in only ten matches and failing to score a goal.
However, Ryo’s fortunes turned around during his loan spell with Persis in the 2022/23 season, where he emerged as a pivotal player in the team’s campaign, contributing 11 goals and six assists in 28 appearances. His impressive performance caught the attention of Persija, who secured his signature after his contract with BGPU expired.
Wearing the number 7 jersey, Ryo expressed his enthusiasm and happiness in joining Persija. “I’m very happy to be a part of Persija and it’s great to be able to play football in front of the Jakmania,” said Ryo, highlighting his commitment to helping the team clinch the Liga 1 title in the upcoming season.
Ryo also cited the influence of former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Doll, who currently oversees Persija’s operations, as a significant factor in his decision to join the Macan Kemayoran, who finished 2nd in the recently-concluded 2022/23 season. “Yes, of course, before last season ended, he (Thomas Doll) had called me to talk about next season with Persija. Now I can’t wait to meet him,” Ryo added.
With Ryo’s addition to the team, Persija Jakarta aims to build on their successes from the previous season and strive for greater heights in the upcoming 2023/24 season.
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