New England Revolution II Sign Japanese Forward Shuma Sasaki Following Standout Season at the University of Michigan

New England Revolution II announced on Wednesday that they have signed Japanese forward and winger Shuma Sasaki to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract through the 2026 season, with a club option for 2027. The deal is contingent on his receipt of his P-1 Visa.

Sasaki, 23, joins New England after a strong graduate season at the University of Michigan in 2025, coached by Sean Hughes—now a Revolution assistant. This past connection links Sasaki directly to the club.

In his lone graduate season with Michigan, Sasaki appeared in 15 matches (13 starts), led the team with 39 shots, and totaled three goals and two assists (eight points) per Michigan Athletics.

He scored key goals: the season opener against Notre Dame (Aug. 21), the game-winner vs. Bowling Green (Sept. 1), and another against Michigan State (Sept. 26), per Michigan match reports.

Michigan’s review credited Sasaki as a catalyst, drawing multiple penalty-area fouls that resulted in penalty kicks for the team—reflecting his direct, aggressive style.

Michigan reached its second consecutive Big Ten final and made its 10th NCAA Tournament appearance during Sasaki’s season. He earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors and was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Second Team, according to Michigan athletics.

Previously, Sasaki played four seasons at the University of the Cumberlands (NAIA), logging 69 matches (64 starts), 12 goals, and 25 assists. In 2024, he led the team with eight assists, earned All-Conference and Scholar-Athlete honors, and helped them finish No. 4 nationally and reach the NAIA Final Four, per Michigan’s player bio.

Sasaki also gained experience in the U.S. Open Cup in 2024, making three starts with Lubbock Matadors SC of USL League Two, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist.

Born in Utsunomiya and raised in Kawasaki, Japan, Sasaki is a left winger (Transfermarkt) listed at 5-foot-8 and 163 pounds by the Revolution. His major at Michigan was Social Work.

Sasaki is a skilled, aggressive winger who creates chances, draws fouls in dangerous areas, and steps up in big moments—aligning with the MLS NEXT Pro developmental model that bridges college, academy, and first team.

His connection to assistant coach Hughes, who coached him at Michigan, provides a built-in familiarity with the coaching staff’s tactical expectations. For a player transitioning from college soccer to the professional level, that continuity can be significant.

Sasaki and Revolution II will continue the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season on Sunday, April 12, when they host Red Bull New York II at Bryant University’s Beirne Stadium.