Manchester City have announced the signing of Japanese midfielder Aemu Oyama to further bolster their squad in the winter transfer window.
The talented attacking midfielder, who is only 20, joins City having featured in Japan’s U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign last summer, scoring a goal in the 7-0 group stage win against New Zealand.
Oyama arrives with a reputation of being one of Japan’s most exciting young talents since her professional WE League debut with Tokyo Verdy Beleza in 2021 where she became the league’s youngest ever goalscorer at the age of 17.
She is the second arrival in the winter transfer window after the signing of German defender Rebecca Knaak, who has already made her debut for City in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Ipswich Town Women as City look to bolster their squad to compete with Chelsea who have yet to lose a game this term.
Oyama becomes the fifth Japanese player at the club following the arrivals of Ayaka Yamashita, Risa Shimizu, Yui Hasegawa, and Aoba Fujino.
The attacking midfielder will wear the number 30 shirt after joining from Waseda University on a two-and-a-half-year deal that will keep her at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2027.
Oyama said: “My first game could be against Manchester United at Etihad.
“I’m aware how enormous this game is and if I’m given a chance I’d like to show my playing style.
“My dream is to play in the Champions League.
“I’d like to be able to contribute to the team as soon as I can.
“And as a young player, now that I’m in this team I want to play as many games as possible…seeing other young players [getting chances] inspires me to work hard like them.”
Manchester City Women Director of Football, Therese Sjogran added: “Aemu is a very technically gifted player, there’s a real buzz about her.
“She’ll be exciting to watch this season and beyond, and there is real potential for her to become even better.
“She’s already broken ground in Japan at a very young age and will be an exciting addition to the squad here in Manchester.”