SWPL: Mebae Tanaka becomes first Japanese player to sign for Glasgow City | OneFootball

Glasgow City have announced the signing of Japanese attacker Mebae Tanaka on a two-year deal. The forward will wear the No.22 shirt upon her arrival.

The winger is making the move to Scotland after a spell in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix. Tanaka featured 19 times during her debut with the New Zealand outfit, scoring once. This move will see the 29-year-old become the first ever player from Japan to represent The Original Trailblazers, marking another milestone in the club’s history.

Tanaka’s career so far has taken her across three continents. After beginning her professional journey in Japan, she moved to South Korea’s top flight with Suwon FC. She later moved to Australia, joining Preston Lions FC in Victoria’s National Premier Leagues, where she amassed a stellar goalscoring record of 10 goals in 18 games, before leaving for New Zealand.

“I’m so happy to be here and join this amazing club”

Speaking ahead of her move, Tanaka said: “I’m so happy to be here and to join this amazing club. I am a technical player and like to communicate and combine with my teammates. My position is a winger, so I want to score goals and assist. The season has started, so I hope to bring the energy.”

Head coach Leanne Ross, added: “I’m really happy to bring Mebae to Glasgow City. She is a player with very good technical abilities, and she will bring even more quality and depth to an already strong squad.

“She has gained a lot of professional experience from her time in Japan, South Korea and New Zealand which will be incredibly valuable in this environment.”

Now set for her first taste of Scottish football, Tanaka will look to bring her flair, creativity, and attacking prowess to Glasgow City as they push for silverware this season.

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