Manchester City Women sign Japan international Ayaka Yamashita on three-year deal - ‘I’m very hungry’
By James Hilsum
Published 09/08/2024 at 12:20 GMT+1
Gareth Taylor's squad has been bolstered by the arrival of serial winner Ayaka Yamashita. Manchester City have added extra depth to their goalkeeping ranks with Yamashita's arrival, as the Japan international comes in to compete for the number one spot alongside Khiara Keating and Eve Annets, while Sandy MacIver continues her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
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Manchester City Women have bolstered their squad with the signing of Japan international Ayaka Yamashita on a three-year deal.
The goalkeeper arrives in the north-west from INAC Kobe Leonessa after winning six Japanese titles and eight domestic cups.
She told mancity.com: “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.”
Manchester City Women managing director Charlotte O’Neill added: “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.”
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Yamashita links up with international team-mate Yui Hasegawa, who arrived at the club from West Ham United in September 2022.
The 28-year-old is the second shot-stopper to join City this summer after Eve Annets made the switch from Reading earlier this month.
Yamashita was part of the Japan squad at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
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