Manchester City sign Japanese international keeper Yamashita | OneFootball

Manchester City have completed the signing of Japanese international goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita on a three-year deal.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Cityzens this morning.

Yamashita joins Manchester City off the back of a three-year spell with Japanese WE League club INAC Kobe Leonessa. The 28-year-old has also turned out for Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza in her senior career to date.

The keeper has won six league titles back home in Japan along with eight domestic cups. She was also an AFC Women’s Club Championship winner with former club Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza in 2019.

On the international stage, Yamashita has been capped by Japan on 74 occasions. She is Nadeshiko’s first-choice goalkeeper.

After joining Manchester City, Yamashita said “First of all, it is a great honour to join such a wonderful club and team. I feel very honoured to be here.

“Because of my personality, I am very hungry. I’ve won various trophies in Asia, but to level up myself, I felt the need to take on a challenge. It’s a famous club that everyone knows, and even now, it feels unbelievable to me.

“During my time at Beleza, I used to play with Yui Hasegawa, who is here now, so she is very encouraging. I’m really looking forward to playing with her again. It’s also exciting to join a team with Ederson, whom I admire, and to wear the same shirt. I’m really looking forward to it.

“Last season was really close, I thought that while watching the games from Japan. I want to support the team in winning titles and contribute to the team.”

Yamashita is Manchester City’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window.