Aston Villa Women have signed Nigeria international defender Rofiat Imuran from London City Lionesses. The 22-year-old becomes the club's ninth signing of the summer 2026/27 transfer window, subject to visa approval, as reported by Punch Sports.
Imuran's move was confirmed on Sunday, adding a player with significant experience in English football and on the international stage. She began her career in the Nigeria Women's Football League with Sunshine Queens before moving to Rivers Angels. A two-season spell at French side Stade de Reims followed, where she made 27 league appearances and scored seven goals. She arrived in England with London City Lionesses in 2024.
What does Rofiat Imuran bring to Aston Villa?
Marisa Ewers, Aston Villa's Director of Women's Football, highlighted the specific qualities Imuran will add to manager Natalia Arroyo's squad. "Rofiat is an exciting young defender with experience in English football and at international level," Ewers said. "She brings pace, energy and quality to our defensive options." Ewers added that the club believes Imuran's attributes fit how Arroyo wants the team to play.
The signing is also part of a broader strategic vision. Ewers stated that Aston Villa has ambitions to build stronger connections across Africa and identify talent from the continent. Imuran's arrival is seen as a positive step in that direction. The defender herself expressed her excitement. "I’m very excited to be here and I want to achieve a lot of things," Imuran said. "It’s a big club with a lot of history, and it has big ambitions, and I want to be part of it."
Where does Imuran fit into the current squad?
Imuran joins a Villa side looking to build on a challenging 2025 Women's Super League campaign where they finished 9th. They accrued 20 points from 22 games, with a record of five wins, five draws, and twelve losses. Their goal difference of -20, stemming from 28 goals scored and 48 conceded, underscored the need for defensive reinforcement. The team ended the season 35 points behind champions Manchester City W.
Her versatility and experience will be valuable as Villa aim to improve those defensive numbers. Fans can see how the new-look squad shapes up by checking the updated squad list. Imuran's arrival adds depth and competition at the back, providing manager Natalia Arroyo with more options as she prepares the team for the new season.
What is Rofiat Imuran's international pedigree?
The young defender is already an established figure with the Nigerian national team, the Super Falcons. She made her senior international debut in 2022 and was part of the squad at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. More recently, she featured at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Her international journey began earlier, representing Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, showcasing her development on the global stage from a young age.
This wealth of tournament experience at the highest level of women's football is a significant asset for Aston Villa. It means Imuran is accustomed to high-pressure environments, which will be beneficial in the competitive WSL. Her performances for club and country have made her one of Africa's most promising defensive talents.
How does this signing impact Villa's summer plans?
With Imuran confirmed as the ninth signing, Aston Villa's summer rebuild is taking clear shape. The focus on adding pace and defensive solidity addresses specific issues from last season. The club's activity in the market signals a determined effort to move up the standings in the upcoming campaign.
The work now turns to integration and preparation. Imuran will link up with her new teammates as they finalise their pre-season plans ahead of the 2026/27 WSL kick-off. Her signing completes a major piece of the summer puzzle for director Marisa Ewers and manager Natalia Arroyo, who will be aiming for a more consistent and resilient campaign.
