West Ham sign Japan international Yu Endo in third signing of summer transfer window | OneFootball

West Ham have announced the signing of Japan international Yu Endo from Urawa Reds in their third summer transfer.

The 27-year-old full-back joins the Women’s Super League side on a two-year deal after making the switch from Japan.

She becomes the Hammer’s latest addition following the signings of Ffion Morgan and Sarah Brasero.

Who is new West Ham signing Yu Endo?

Yu Endo has completed a transfer to West Ham after 15 years at her former side Urawa Reds.

During her time at the previous club, she won a plethora of trophies, including AFC Champions League trophies in 2023 and 2024.

She was a constant fixture for Urawa Reds after failing to miss a league game over the past two seasons.

Endo departs the club after scoring 13 goals in 171 appearances, and this will be her first time playing in Europe.

The 27-year-old full-back has also made two senior appearances for Japan.

At West Ham, she will join her Japanese compatriot Riko Ueki, who scored four goals and provided five assists last season.

West Ham are yet to announce their pre-season fixtures, so it is uncertain when Endo will first be in action for the club.

The first friendly involving a Women’s Super League side is on Friday night when London City Lionesses face Twente. UK betting sites have the Lionesses at odds of 11/10 to beat the Dutch side.

Yu Endo’s first words after completing transfer to West Ham

Yu Endo in her first interview with West Ham’s website, said she is happy to join the Hammers after enjoying a lot of success with Urawa Reds.

She said: “I think that winning comes from an individual’s mentality, and I want to contribute to the team by bringing that winning attitude to West Ham.

“My strengths are supporting the attack from the back and my one-on-one defending. I take care of myself on a daily basis, and I work hard in training – I pride myself on always being available for the team.

“It’s been nice to see so many Japanese players doing well in the WSL (Barclays Women’s Super League) over the last few years. Now, I want to represent Japan in England.

“I know that there is a strong history of Japanese players who have represented this famous badge. I’m honoured to join that list, and I’m really looking forward to bringing my best and challenging myself at this club.”

What shirt number will Yu Endo wear?

West Ham confirmed that Yu Endo will wear the No.2 shirt for the 2025-26 season.

This suggests that Endo will play a big part for the Hammers in the coming Women’s Super League season.

When does the Women’s Super League season start?

West Ham face London rivals Tottenham in their opening fixture of the 2025-26 Women’s Super League on Sunday, September 7th.

They have a difficult opening month to the season which includes clashes with the two top from last season, Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as a tricky test against Brighton.