Aston Villa have agreed to sign Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma, subject to visa clearance.
The 21-year-old joins from INAC Kobe Leonessa, where she has played since 2024, after starting her senior career with JEF United Chiba.
Okuma has represented Japan at youth level and was part of the senior squad that won the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, alongside new Villa teammate Maya Hijikata.
Marisa Ewers, Villa’s director of women’s football, described Okuma as an exciting young talent with significant potential and said the club is focused on identifying players from markets around the world.
Okuma said she is thrilled to join Villa and eager to get started with her new teammates.
Villa finished ninth in the 12-team Women’s Super League last season. The 2026-27 fixtures are due to be released on 30 July, with the league expanding to 14 teams.