Japan goalkeeper Okuma signs for Aston Villa
Aston Villa have signed Japan international goalkeeper Akane Okuma for their Women's Super League squad, subject to visa approval. The 21-year-old joins from INAC Kobe Leonessa, adding an experienced international to the club's ranks as it looks to strengthen ahead of the new WSL season.
Okuma began her senior career at JEF United Chiba before moving to INAC Kobe Leonessa in 2024, and has represented Japan at youth level and with the senior squad, including their 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup triumph alongside new team-mate Maya Hijikata. Villa finished ninth in the 12-team WSL last season, with the 2026-27 fixtures due for release on 30 July as the league expands to 14 teams.
In short
- Aston Villa sign Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma from INAC Kobe Leonessa
- Move is subject to visa approval; Okuma is 21
- Villa finished ninth in the WSL last season, which expands to 14 teams
Explained simply
Akane Okuma is a 21-year-old goalkeeper from Japan who has represented her country at international level, most recently helping Japan win the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. Aston Villa, an English women's football club, has signed her to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.
The Women's Super League is England's top tier of women's football, where Aston Villa compete. The club finished ninth out of twelve teams last season and is seeking to strengthen its position as the league expands to fourteen teams for the 2026-27 campaign.
Okuma began her career with JEF United Chiba before moving to INAC Kobe Leonessa in Japan in 2024, where she has played until now. She joins Villa on the same squad as fellow Japanese player Maya Hijikata, her team-mate from the Asian Cup victory.