Aston Villa Women pull off WSL coup with Japan ace Okuma
Aston Villa Women have pulled off a coup by signing Japan international goalkeeper Akane Okuma ahead of the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season. The 21-year-old arrives from INAC Kobe Leonessa, where she had played since 2024, with Villa director of women’s football Marisa Ewers hailing her as an exciting young talent with huge potential.
What happened?
Villa confirmed the capture of Okuma, subject to visa approval, late on 22 July 2026. The 21-year-old shot-stopper joins from Japanese powerhouse INAC Kobe Leonessa after a single season in Kobe. Okuma’s senior career began at JEF United Chiba, and she has already represented Japan at youth level and won the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup alongside Villa teammate Maya Hijikata.
Why it matters for Aston Villa Women
Ewers said: “Akane is an exciting young talent with a lot of potential and we’re delighted to welcome her to Villa.” The capture adds depth to Villa’s squad as they chase a top-half finish after finishing ninth in the 12-team WSL last season with 20 points from 22 games, scoring 28 and conceding 48 for a goal difference of minus 20. The league is expanding to 14 teams this term, with fixtures due on 30 July.
Okuma said: “I’m very happy to be here. I feel really fortunate to be part of this club, and I can’t wait to play with the team.” Her arrival gives Villa a shot-stopper with international pedigree as they push for a higher WSL finish.
What comes next?
Villa sit ninth in the FA WSL with 20 points from 22 games and recent form of four losses and a single win. The 2026-27 fixtures drop on 30 July, and Villa will look to climb the table with Okuma between the posts. League leaders Manchester City stand 35 points clear, while Villa chase a top-half finish after last season’s ninth-place finish.
