HARRISON, N.J. (February 20, 2026) – Red Bull New York II have acquired Japanese defender Shunya Sakai on a one-year loan from RB Omiya Ardija through the 2026 season pending visa and registration approval, the club announced today.
“We are excited to have Shunya join the team.” Head Coach Dominik Wohlert said, “we observed his development at RB Omiya Ardija and he deserves the opportunity to join our second team. Shunya is a strong young center back who will help our defensive unit.”
The 18-year-old center back made 17 appearances in the Japanese Takamado U-18 PL East League with U-18 RB Omiya Ardija, a sister club of Red Bull New York. He made his debut in a 1-1 draw against U-18 Yokohama F. Marinos.
RB Omiya Ardija joined the Red Bull Soccer Network of Red Bull New York, RB Leipzig and RB Bragentino in August 2024. Shunya will be the first player from RB Omiya Ardija to sign a professional contract with another Red Bull squad.
At the international level, the Tochigi, Japan native has five appearances with U-18 Japan. The defender made his international debut in a 2-0 win over Ireland on November 13, 2024. He scored his first career goal with Japan on November 12, 2025 in an international friendly against Wales.
TRANSACTION: Red Bull New York II have acquired defender Shunya Sakai on a one-year loan from RB Omiya Ardija through the 2026 season pending visa and registration approval, on February 20, 2026.
