Serie A Trio Show Interest in Japan’s Junya Ito, with Bologna Leading the Chase

2025-07-16 HAN, June

SAITAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 25: Junya Ito of Japan looks on during the FIFA World Cup qualifier Asian third round Group C match between Japan and Saudi Arabia at Saitama Stadium on March 25, 2025 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

Japan international Junya Ito has emerged as a target for several Serie A clubs following Stade de Reims’ relegation from Ligue 1. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Bologna, Fiorentina, and Genoa are all monitoring the 32-year-old winger, with Bologna reportedly taking the most concrete steps towards a potential move.

Ito, who has been with Reims since 2022, featured in 33 Ligue 1 matches last season, contributing four goals and five assists. Despite his efforts, the French side ultimately suffered relegation to Ligue 2 — a development that has now cast doubt over the futures of several of their key players, including Ito.

Bologna Make First Move

The most advanced interest has come from Bologna, who began exploratory talks with Reims in June, Foot Mercato reports. The Emilia-Romagna club are preparing for life without Danish forward Dan Ndoye, who is expected to complete a move to Napoli. Ito, capable of playing both on the right flank and centrally, is viewed as a versatile option who fits seamlessly into new manager Vincenzo Italiano’s tactical plans.

Ito’s consistency in Ligue 1 and his broad European experience — including appearances in the UEFA competitions with Genk and continental tournaments for Japan — are among the qualities that have made him an attractive option.

Fiorentina and Genoa Also Keeping Tabs

While Bologna have initiated contact, Fiorentina and Genoa are also said to have added Ito to their shortlist. Genoa, under the guidance of Patrick Vieira, and Fiorentina, now led by former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli, are believed to value Ito’s versatility and work ethic.

Foot Mercato highlights that no official offers have yet been submitted, but Reims are reportedly open to negotiations. With Ito’s contract running until 2026, the French side are keen to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year and may be prepared to listen to reasonable bids this summer.

REIMS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Junya Ito of Stade Reims looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Stade de Reims and AJ Auxerre at Stade Auguste-Delaune on August 10, 2024 in Reims, France. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

A Transitional Summer for Reims’ Japanese Contingent

Ito is one of three Japanese internationals currently on the books at Reims, alongside forward Keito Nakamura and defender Daiki Sugioka. All three now face uncertain futures following the club’s confirmed relegation, which was sealed after a failed promotion/relegation play-off and confirmed by the financial reprieve granted to Olympique Lyon, allowing them to stay in the top tier.

Of the trio, Ito is the oldest and most experienced, and Foot Mercato suggests he is the most likely to depart first. As the 2026 World Cup draws nearer, a move to a top-flight league could help the veteran winger maintain his place in the national setup.

High-Value Move for Bologna?

For Bologna, who have qualified for the UEFA Europa League, the addition of an experienced and tactically flexible player like Ito could be crucial as they prepare for the demands of continental competition. With the Serie A club looking to reinforce their attacking options after a breakout 2024–25 campaign, Junya Ito may offer exactly the kind of quality and reliability they require.