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Ayaka Yamashita joins Manchester City

Manchester City can today announce the signing of Japanese international Ayaka Yamashita on a deal until the summer of 2027.  

The 28-year-old six-time Japanese top flight winner arrives in England following an illustrious spell in her home country. The goalkeeper has earned 74 senior international caps and has won 17 major honours during her career so far.

Yamashita said: “First of all, it is a great honour to join such a wonderful club and team. I feel very honoured to be here.

“Because of my personality, I am very hungry. I've won various trophies in Asia, but to level up myself, I felt the need to take on a challenge. It's a famous club that everyone knows, and even now, it feels unbelievable to me.

“During my time at Beleza, I used to play with Yui Hasegawa, who is here now, so she is very encouraging. I'm really looking forward to playing with her again.

“It's also exciting to join a team with Ederson, whom I admire, and to wear the same shirt. I'm really looking forward to it.

“Last season was really close, I thought that while watching the games from Japan. I want to support the team in winning titles and contribute to the team.”

Yamashita will wear the number 31 shirt and becomes the first women’s player to wear the number since City’s professional relaunch in 2014.

Manchester City Women Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill said: “Ayaka is an impressive goalkeeper and serial winner with an even more impressive number of domestic trophies to her name.   

“It has been a pleasure watching her on the world stage during her second Olympics these last few weeks, and as we continue to evolve, having a player with attributes like Ayaka’s will help us challenge for honours for years to come. Ayaka will bring a fresh

 dynamic and even more experience to the team.”

Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: “We’re delighted to bring Ayaka to Manchester City. She is another player who will bring even more international experience into the squad and we’re looking forward to welcoming her to the team.”