Teams

Akane Okuma has signed for Aston Villa

6 August 2026·4 min read·Marta Delgado
Akane Okuma has signed for Aston Villa

Aston Villa have announced the signing of 21-year-old goalkeeper Akane Okuma from INAC Kobe Leonessa, subject to visa approval. Joining him in the Villa is fellow Japanese Maya Hijikata.

Pumirma si Akane Okuma sa Aston Villa

Ayon sa Bbc.

Konteksto

Si Akane Okuma ay isang promising na goalkeeper na nagmula sa INAC Kobe Leonessa at bahagi ng Japan national team na nagwagi sa 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. Ang kanyang paglipat sa Aston Villa ay naglalayong palakasin ang kanilang depensa at makapagbigay ng bagong perspektibo sa kanilang laro sa Women's Super League.

Why it matters

Akane Okuma's move to Aston Villa is an important step for her career and the development of Women's Super League football. As a 21-year-old goalkeeper with experience at the international level, he is expected to bring new strength to Villa's defence. His signing also shows the continued rise of talent from Japan in European football.

Key Points

  • Akane Okuma has signed for Aston Villa.
  • Aston Villa have announced the signing of 21-year-old goalkeeper Akane Okuma from INAC Kobe Leonessa, pending visa approval.
  • Japan goalkeeper Okuma signs for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa have officially announced the signing of Akane Okuma, a 21-year-old goalkeeper from Japan, although the move is still dependent on visa approval. According to the club, Okuma will arrive from INAC Kobe Leonessa, where he played from 2024 and gained further senior-level experience before moving to England. Okuma's senior career began with JEF United Chiba and he also has representation at youth level for Japan. She was also part of the senior Japan national team that won the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, a feat she shared with new Villa teammate Maya Hijikata. Marisa Ewers, Aston Villa's director of women's football, paid tribute to Okuma's potential when announcing the signing. According to Ewers, "Akane is an exciting cheap talent with lots of potential and we are delighted to welcome him to Aston Villa. As a club, we are always looking for opportunities to discover talent in different markets around the world, and we are delighted to bring a player of Akane's profile to Villa."
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Okuma also expressed his excitement at the new career stage: "I'm happy to be a part of this club. I feel lucky to be on the team, and I'm looking forward to playing with the group." The addition of Okuma is part of Villa's move to strengthen their roster ahead of the new Women's Super League season. This past season, Villa finished 9th out of 12 teams in the WSL, and the club will be looking to improve next campaign. There will be a change in league structure in 2026-27, as the Women's Super League will grow from 12 to 14 teams; the schedule for the new season is slated to be released on 30 July. The signing of Okuma, who has national experience and a background in Japan, is expected to add depth to Villa's goalkeeper position as they prepare for wider competition. The formal transfer is expected to be completed once the necessary visa is approved, and the club will follow official announcements once the administrative process is completed.

What's next

Okuma is expected to be part of Aston Villa next season in the Women's Super League, where her skills will help the team improve on their position from last season. The approval of his visa is the next step before he can participate in training and play in upcoming matches. Aston Villa continue to monitor the transfer market for other possible midfield signings that could add to their roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Akane Okuma?

Akane Okuma is a 21-year-old goalkeeper from Japan.

Where was Akane Okuma from before moving to Aston Villa?

Before moving to Aston Villa, Akane Okuma played for INAC Kobe Leonessa.

Why did Akane Okuma choose Aston Villa?

Akane Okuma is happy and excited to be a part of Aston Villa, which is an opportunity for her to play in the Women's Super League.

What is the status of Akane Okuma's deal?

Akane Okuma's move to Aston Villa is still dependent on visa approval.

What is Akane Okuma's role at Aston Villa?

Akane Okuma is expected to be part of Aston Villa's roster as a goalkeeper in the Women's Super League.

Kaugnay na Balita

Mga Madalas na Itanong

Sino si Akane Okuma?
Si Akane Okuma ay isang 21-anyos na goalkeeper mula sa Japan.
Saan galing si Akane Okuma bago lumipat sa Aston Villa?
Bago lumipat sa Aston Villa, si Akane Okuma ay naglaro para sa INAC Kobe Leonessa.
Bakit pinili ni Akane Okuma ang Aston Villa?
Si Akane Okuma ay masaya at sabik na maging bahagi ng Aston Villa, na isang pagkakataon para sa kanya na makalaro sa Women's Super League.
Ano ang status ng deal ni Akane Okuma?
Ang paglipat ni Akane Okuma sa Aston Villa ay nakadepende pa sa pag-apruba ng visa.
Ano ang papel ni Akane Okuma sa Aston Villa?
Si Akane Okuma ay inaasahang magiging bahagi ng roster ng Aston Villa bilang isang goalkeeper sa Women's Super League.
Who is Akane Okuma in this story?
Akane Okuma is the main player involved in this transfer rumor update.
What is the player's current situation?
The article discusses Akane Okuma's situation based on the latest reporting.
TeamsWomen's Super LeagueAston VillaINAC Kobe LeonessaJEF United ChibaAkane OkumaMaya Hijikata

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