Liverpool have signed Japan midfielder Mao Itamura from Feyenoord, marking the fifth addition to Gareth Taylor's Women's Super League squad this summer. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder arrives as a replacement for Republic of Ireland international Denise O'Sullivan, who has left on an initial loan to Gotham FC, strengthening Liverpool's midfield options ahead of the new season.

Itamura was named Women's Eredivisie player of the season for 2025-26 after scoring eight goals and providing six assists, and she helped Feyenoord reach European football for the first time in the club's history. A Japan youth international, she was part of the Under-20 side that won the Women's Asian Cup in April, having started her career at JFA Academy Fukushima before moving to Feyenoord in January 2025. She will wear the number 26 shirt at Liverpool, joining fellow summer signings Vivien Endemann, Sara Agrez, Mari Ward and Khiara Keating.