Manchester City Women have secured the signing of Japanese international goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita on a three-year deal, marking the 28-year-old's first move to a club outside her homeland.
Yamashita, who arrives from Japanese powerhouse INAC Kobe Leonessa, expressed her eagerness to take on the challenge of playing in England's top flight, the Women's Super League (WSL). "I'm very hungry," she stated, "and I feel the need to level up. I've won trophies in Asia, but this is a new challenge."
Her decision to join City, a club with a global reputation, is a testament to her ambition. "It's a famous club that everyone knows," she remarked, "and it still feels unbelievable to me."
The experienced shot-stopper brings a wealth of accolades to the Etihad Stadium, having amassed 17 major honours throughout her career. She has also been a mainstay for the Japanese national team, featuring in 74 matches.
Interestingly, Yamashita will reunite with fellow Japanese international Yui Hasegawa at City, having played alongside the midfielder during their time at Tokyo Verdy.
This signing follows the arrivals of fellow Japanese players Risa Shimizu from West Ham United and Aoba Fujino from Tokyo Verdy, highlighting City's commitment to strengthening their squad with talented players from across the globe. Yamashita's arrival is sure to further boost City's ambition to challenge for both domestic and European honours.
