AA Gent has previously shown interest in Ryotaro Ito, although it is unclear if that interest remains. Ito is currently a free agent after not extending his contract with STVV. The midfielder was recently close to joining English second-division club Blackburn Rovers, but the transfer was cancelled at a late stage. A problem with his ankle was discovered during the medical examination, and while there is a small chance of renegotiating the deal on reduced terms, it is considered unlikely.