Aston Villa Signs Japan Goalkeeper Akane Okuma

Aston Villa have finalised the acquisition of Japan international keeper Akane Okuma, pending the usual visa procedures. The 21‑year‑old moves to the Women’s Super League side from Japanese outfit INAC Kobe Leonessa, where she has been a regular since 2024. Villa’s director of women’s football, Marisa Ewers, described Okuma as “an exciting young talent with a lot of potential” and highlighted the club’s global scouting strategy. The deal adds depth to the goalkeeping pool as Villa looks to improve on a ninth‑place finish in the previous WSL campaign.

Okuma’s Journey to Aston Villa

Born in Japan, Okuma started her senior career with JEF United Chiba before moving to INAC Kobe Leonessa. She has also represented Japan at youth levels and earned a senior cap during the team’s 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph. The Japanese line‑up that day featured Maya Hijikata, who will now share the Villa dressing room with Okuma. In her own words, the goalkeeper expressed excitement about joining a new club and the chance to compete at a higher level.

Villa’s Strategic Outlook

Marisa Ewers emphasised that the club constantly probes different markets for emerging talent, positioning this signing as part of that ongoing effort. Okuma’s profile fits the club’s ambition to bring in players with international experience and potential for growth. Villa’s recent ninth‑place finish in a 12‑team WSL suggests room for improvement, and the new goalkeeper could play a key role in that development. Looking ahead, the league will expand to 14 teams for the 2026‑27 season, with fixtures slated for release on 30 July.

[BBC]

Akane Okuma’s move marks another step in Aston Villa’s push to build a competitive WSL squad, blending Japanese proficiency with the league’s expanding landscape. Fans can anticipate fresh competition for the gloves as Villa prepares for the upcoming 2026‑27 season.