Aston Villa Women have completed the permanent signing of Nigeria international defender Rofiat Imuran from London City Lionesses as Natalia Arroyo strengthens her squad ahead of the new WSL season.
London City officially confirmed Imuran’s permanent transfer to Aston Villa on Sunday, bringing the 22-year-old’s two-year spell with the club to an end.
Imuran arrives with experience in both England and France and gives Arroyo another natural option on the left side of her defence.
Rofiat Imuran adds competition to Aston Villa defence
Primarily a left-back, Imuran is left-footed and made 10 WSL appearances for London City during the 2025/26 campaign, playing 704 league minutes. FotMob lists the Nigeria international as a specialist left-back, while she can also provide flexibility across the defensive line.
Before moving to England in 2024, Imuran spent two seasons with Stade de Reims in France.
She has also represented Nigeria at senior international level after previously featuring at Under-20 level.
That experience should be useful for a Villa side attempting to improve defensively after a difficult 2025/26 campaign.
The need for reinforcements was highlighted in our recent look at the scale of Aston Villa Women’s rebuild after losing several important contributors.
Imuran now adds another young player with room to develop under Arroyo.
Aston Villa Women continue summer rebuild
The transfer comes just days before Villa begin their WSL campaign away to Chelsea.
Imuran could therefore quickly come into contention after Villa complete their preparations with Sunday’s friendly against West Ham.
Supporters can find the kick-off time, venue and ticket information for Aston Villa Women against West Ham here.
Reports in Nigeria say Imuran has agreed a three-year contract running until 2029, although London City’s confirmation does not disclose the length of her Villa deal.
For Arroyo and Director of Women’s Football Marisa Ewers, the priority is now integrating another defensive option before the competitive season begins.
