Women’s Super League transfer news: Aston Villa sign Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma

Aston Villa have signed Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma, subject to visa approval.

The 21-year-old joins the Women’s Super League side from Japanese club INAC Kobe Leonessa, where she has played since 2024.

Okuma started his senior career at JEF United Chiba.

She represented Japan at youth level and was part of the senior squad that won the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup alongside new Villa teammate Maya Hijikata.

Villa’s director of women’s football Marissa Yers said: “Akane is an exciting young talent with a lot of potential and we are delighted to welcome her to Aston Villa.

“As a club, we are always looking for opportunities to identify talent in different markets around the world, and we are delighted to bring a player of Akane’s profile to Villa.”

Okuma said he is looking forward to the next step in his career.

“I’m very happy to be here,” she said. “I feel really privileged to be a part of this club, and I can’t wait to play with the team.”

Villa finished ninth in the 12-team WSL last season. The league’s 2026-27 fixtures are due to be released on July 30, with the competition expanding to feature 14 teams.