Aston Villa Women have officially announced the signing of Japan international goalkeeper Akane Okuma from INAC Kobe Leonessa.
The 21-year-old has completed her move to Villa, subject to visa approval, as Natalia Arroyo continues reshaping her squad before the 2026/27 Women’s Super League season.
Okuma began her senior career with JEF United Chiba before joining INAC Kobe in 2024. She has also represented Japan across the youth age groups and recently progressed into the senior national-team setup.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Okuma said. “I feel really fortunate to be a part of this club, and I can’t wait to play with the team.”
Aston Villa add competition in goal
Okuma was part of the Japan squad which won the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup alongside new Villa teammate Maya Hijikata.
Director of Women’s Football Marisa Ewers described Okuma as an exciting young player with significant potential. She also highlighted Villa’s desire to identify talent from different markets around the world.
The move follows Villa’s recent signing of former Everton goalkeeper Emily Ramsey. ReadAstonVilla covered how the club added Ramsey’s WSL experience to Arroyo’s squad earlier this month.
Okuma and Ramsey now give Arroyo two new senior options in goal. Their arrivals underline the scale of Villa’s rebuild after the club finished ninth in the WSL last season.
The Japanese goalkeeper becomes another young international addition during an active summer at Villa. She will now begin adapting to English football while competing for a place in Arroyo’s starting side.
