Manchester City have strengthened their squad by signing Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita from INAC Kobe on a three-year contract.
This marks the 28-year-old’s first venture outside her native Japan as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.
Expressing her eagerness for the upcoming challenge in England’s top flight, Yamashita shared her determination to push herself further.
“I’ve achieved a lot in Asia, winning several trophies, but I felt it was time to challenge myself at a higher level,” she said. “The opportunity to play for such a renowned club still feels surreal to me.”
Yamashita, who has played 74 times for the Japanese national team, is no stranger to success, having secured 17 major titles throughout her career.
She previously played alongside City midfielder Yui Hasegawa at Tokyo Verdy, which adds a layer of familiarity as she joins the Women’s Super League club.
Yamashita is Manchester City’s third Japanese signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of defender Risa Shimizu from West Ham United and forward Aoba Fujino from Tokyo Verdy.