Everton manager Brian Sorensen hails ‘statement signing’ as Toffees complete fourth summer transfer | OneFootball

Everton Women have signed their fourth player of the summer transfer window and manager Brian Sorensen (pictured) has described her as a ‘statement signing’. (Photo by Lars Ronbog / Getty Images)

Everton Women have completed their fourth signing of the summer transfer window.

The Toffees have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Japanese international Hikaru Kitagawa from Swedish club BK Hacken.

She is regarded as one of international football’s best full-backs, and will play her football at Goodison Park in the 2025-26 season.

Everton boss Brian Sorensen has hailed the ‘statement signing’ as one of the 10 best players in her position in the world.

Her addition comes just one day after they signed fellow Japanese international Rion Ishikawa from Urawa Red Diamonds.

Everton have also signed Dutch midfielder Rosa van Gool and Spanish winger Ornella Vignola.

Summer transfer window: Why Hikaru Kitagawa decided to join Everton Women

Speaking to Everton’s official website, Hikaru Kitagawa explained her decision to join the Toffees.

She revealed that she spoke to Everton manager Brian Sorensen and Toffees midfielder Honoka Hayashi before completing the move.

She said: “I decided to join this team because I watched them last season and spoke to the head coach.

“Before I signed, I had a chat with Honoka and she told me about the Club. I felt that Everton is a club with a warm atmosphere. It is a comfortable and friendly place and I am really happy to be a member of this club now.

“It is also great we will play at Goodison Park. It is a new start for the girls to use this stadium and I’m really happy to come here and play with them.”

Her new head coach, Sorensen, described the addition of Kitagawa as a “statement signing”.

He said: “Hikaru is a player I was eager to sign and it is a big statement from the club to bring in a player of her quality. For me, she is among the top 10 left-backs in the world.

“Hikaru is an intelligent defender, really comfortable on the ball, who loves to join the offence and contribute to the team’s attack.”

Who is Hikaru Kitagawa?

Hikaru Kitagawa started her career at JFA Academy Fukushima before having spells in Japan at Urawa Reds, Albirex Niigata, and INAC Kobe Leonessa.

She got her first taste of European football with BK Hacken, becoming the first Japanese player to sign for the Swedish club last summer.

Kitagawa lifted the 2025 SheBelieves Cup trophy alongside new Everton teammates Ishikawa and Hayashi earlier this year with Japan.

At the competition, she provided two assists against Australia, and helped Japan to victories over Colombia and the USA.

Her new manager Brian Sorensen added: “She has experience of playing at the top level at both international and club level. Her desire to win and leadership qualities will have a positive effect on the squad, with her humble and respectful personality making her a popular figure in the dressing room.”

Kitagawa joins Everon at a time when the club are considering selling their women’s team.