Rio Ave FC have confirmed on their official website that Manchester City youngster Ryotaro Meshino has completed a two-year-old loan move to Portugal. It is believed that the Liga NOS outfit have even got the option to make the Japanese prospect’s switch permanent, but the club didn’t mention how much money they would need to make it happen (via rioavefc.pt).
Meshino’s Eye-Catching Loan Season With Hearts
Since joining Man City from Gamba Osaka last summer, Pep Guardiola decided to immediately send him out on loan to play for Heart of Midlothian FC in the previous campaign. He enjoyed a fruitful spell in the Scottish Premiership as he put in a few impressive displays while operating as an attacking midfielder in the number ten position.
Meshino participated in 21 matches for Robbie Neilson’s side last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist on all fronts. The three-time Japanese U-23 international did well to give a good account of himself during his loan stay at Tynecastle Park.
However, the 22-year-old is still not ready to feature in the Premier League every week. Therefore, it is only logical for him to seal another loan move but this time, to the Portuguese top-flight where he will probably get the chance to secure regular first-team starts and improve as a footballer in the coming seasons.
What Does The Japanese Sensation Offer On The Field?
Meshino has terrific balance and agility which he can use to make some intelligent runs towards the opponent’s penalty box. He is always maturing as a footballer and has done well to involve himself in four goals for Hearts last season. The Japanese playmaker has shown that he can contribute by scoring or creating the odd goal, but still he has a lot to learn before he is ready to succeed at the highest level.
Did Man City Make The Right Call by Sanctioning Meshino’s Departure This Summer?
At the moment, Meshino needs more game time to continue making progress in terms of his development. He would welcome the chance to join Rio Ave and become a regular feature in the Liga NOS in the upcoming campaign.
Man City has enough quality in their academy to cope with Meshino’s absence with the likes of Phil Foden and Tommy Doyle coming through their system in recent seasons. Therefore, it seems like Pep Guardiola has made the right call by allowing the Japanese attacker to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
If Meshino goes on to become a class act for Rio Ave FC, then the Mancunian giants could always choose to bring him back, but for now, it makes sense for both parties to part ways with each other in search of greener pastures in the years to come.
