Liverpool FC Women Complete Signing of Mao Itamura from Feyenoord
Liverpool FC Women have announced the permanent signing of Japanese attacking midfielder Mao Itamura from Feyenoord, pending visa approval and international clearance. The 19-year-old becomes the fifth addition of the summer to Gareth Taylor’s squad, following the arrivals of Vivien Endemann, Sara Agrez, Mari Ward, and Khiara Keating.
Itamura, who will wear the number 26 shirt, joins the Reds after a standout season in the Netherlands. She was named the Women’s Eredivisie Player of the Year for 2025-26, scoring eight goals and providing six assists in league play. Her performances were instrumental in helping Feyenoord qualify for European football for the first time in the club’s history.
“It’s a league and club that was one of my goals,” Itamura told Liverpoolfc.com after putting the final touches on her transfer at the AXA Melwood Training Centre. “So, I’m happy to be here. When I started playing soccer, one of my goals was to become a professional footballer. When I reached that goal, I wanted to play for my favourite team. I’m really happy to have the opportunity to play in Liverpool, a big club.”
A Rising Star with International Pedigree
Itamura began her career in Japan with JFA Academy Fukushima before making the move to Europe in January 2025, joining Feyenoord. She quickly established herself as a key player for the Dutch side, earning the league’s top individual honour in her first full season.
On the international stage, Itamura has represented Japan at multiple youth levels. In April 2026, she played a crucial role as Japan lifted the U20 Women’s Asian Cup. She has also featured at both the U17 and U20 Women’s World Cups, showcasing her talent on the global stage.
Known for her dribbling ability and direct style of play, Itamura described her strengths: “My strength is dribbling and going all the way to the line. I want to show everyone my dribbling skills. Of course, I want to make the fans excited with my skills. I also want to contribute to the team with my strengths, goals and assists.”
Why This Signing Matters for Liverpool and the WSL
Itamura’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for Liverpool FC Women. The club has been active in the summer transfer window, reinforcing the squad as they aim to build on their progress in the Women’s Super League. The departure of Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan, who joined Gotham FC on an initial loan deal, left a creative gap in the midfield that Itamura is expected to fill.
At just 19 years old, Itamura represents both an immediate impact player and a long-term investment. Her experience in the Eredivisie and on the international stage suggests she is well-prepared for the physicality and pace of the WSL. The fact that she was named Player of the Year in one of Europe’s developing leagues indicates her potential to become a standout performer in England.
Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor has prioritized adding attacking depth and creativity this summer, and Itamura fits that profile perfectly. Her ability to play as an attacking midfielder or winger gives Taylor tactical flexibility. The club’s growing reputation in women’s football, combined with its historic status, made it an attractive destination for the Japanese prospect.
Liverpool’s Summer Transfer Window
The signing of Itamura completes a busy summer for Liverpool. The club has brought in five new faces, including defender Vivien Endemann, midfielder Sara Agrez, and goalkeeper Khiara Keating. This flurry of activity signals the club’s ambition to compete at the top end of the WSL table and challenge for European qualification.
As the new season approaches, Liverpool will be looking to integrate these signings quickly. With the departure of key players like O’Sullivan, the newcomers will need to step up and make an immediate impact. Fans will be eager to see how Itamura adapts to English football, especially given her promise and the high expectations that come with being a league Player of the Year.
Broader Implications for Women’s Football and the WSL
The transfer also highlights the growing globalization of women’s football. Japanese players have increasingly moved to Europe in recent years, with stars like Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City) and Fuka Nagano (Liverpool’s rivals, Everton) paving the way. Itamura’s move continues this trend, bringing fresh talent and different playing styles to the WSL.
For the league, attracting young international talent like Itamura reinforces the WSL’s status as one of the top destinations for women’s footballers worldwide. The Eredivisie, while competitive, is often seen as a stepping stone to the bigger leagues in England, Spain, and Germany. Itamura’s success story—from Japan to the Netherlands and now to England—serves as a testament to the opportunities available in European women’s football.
The signing also comes amid broader interest in Liverpool FC Women’s progress. The club has invested in facilities, including the AXA Melwood Training Centre, and has been building a squad capable of challenging for honors. While the weather in the UK has been making headlines lately—with a brief cooldown before a potential 38°C heatwave expected—it likely won’t be a factor for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season at their state-of-the-art training ground. For fans checking Liverpool Weather: Brief Cooldown Before Potential 38°C Heatwave Hits UK, the heat might be a concern for outdoor activities, but the team’s focus remains on the pitch.
What This Changes for Liverpool
Itamura’s arrival gives Liverpool a dynamic, goal-scoring midfielder who can unlock defenses with her dribbling and creativity. She replaces the experience of O’Sullivan with youthful exuberance and a point to prove. If she can replicate her Eredivisie form in the WSL, she could become a fan favorite at Anfield. The coming weeks will see her integration into the squad, and all eyes will be on how quickly she adapts to her new surroundings.
For Japanese football fans, Itamura’s move to Liverpool is another reason to follow the WSL closely. It also bodes well for the future of the Japan women’s national team, as more of its young players gain experience in top European leagues. Meanwhile, fans staying up to date with other global stories, such as the Guyana ferry disaster: Dozens dead, 83 missing as captain held on drug charges, can appreciate the positive news of a young athlete achieving her dream.
Liverpool’s season ticket sales for the 2026-27 campaign are already underway, and the new signings are expected to boost attendance. As the WSL continues to grow, moves like this one underline the league’s appeal and the increasing competition among clubs to secure the best young talent from around the world.
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