Aston Villa sign Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma
Short overview
Aston Villa have signed Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma, 21, from INAC Kobe Leonessa, subject to visa approval. Okuma, a member of Japan's 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup-winning squad, joins WSL side Villa, who finished ninth last season.
Aston Villa have announced the signing of Japan international 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 had played since 2024.
Career path
Okuma began her senior career at JEF United Chiba before moving to INAC Kobe Leonessa in 2024. She has represented Japan at youth level and was part of the senior squad that won the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, alongside new Villa team-mate Maya Hijikata.
Club statements
Villa director of women's football Marisa Ewers said: "Akane is an exciting young talent with a lot of potential and we're delighted to welcome her to Aston Villa. As a club, we're always looking at opportunities to identify talent in different markets around the world, and we're pleased to bring a player of Akane's profile to Villa."
Okuma expressed her enthusiasm about the move: "I'm very happy to be here. I feel really fortunate to be a part of this club, and I can't wait to play with the team."
League context
Villa finished ninth in the 12-team WSL last season. The league's 2026-27 fixtures are scheduled to be released on 30 July, with the competition expanding to feature 14 teams.
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