90min

Man City complete signing of Risa Shimizu

  • Manchester City have completed their second signing of the summer transfer window
  • Japan defender Risa Shimizu joins the club on a three-year deal until 2027
  • The 28-year-old signs following the expiration of her contract at WSL rivals West Ham

By Hannah Pinnock

Risa Shimizu has signed for Manchester City
Risa Shimizu has signed for Manchester City / Etsuo Hara/GettyImages
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Manchester City have confirmed their second signing of the summer transfer window with the addition of Japan international Risa Shimizu.

The defender joins the club on a three-year deal following the expiration of her contract at West Ham United. Her contract will keep her at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2027.

Shimizu began her career in Japan with Tokyo Verdy Beleza, the same club where her national and now City teammate, Yui Hasegawa, also spent her youth. Shimizu made the move to England in 2022 to join West Ham, where she has spent the last two seasons.

At international level, the 28-year-old is capped over 70 times for Japan and she has represented her country at two World Cups and an Olympic games. Last season in the WSL, she featured in all 22 of West Ham’s league games and scored in their 4-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur back in January.

"First of all, it’ll be a challenge, but one I’m ready for," Shimizu told the club website. "City play football with a high possession style, which I like. 

"I think I’m technically good and calm with the ball in possession, so I think I’ll play well in City’s style. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully lift the trophy with my new teammates."

Liverpool FC v West Ham United - Barclays Women´s Super League
Risa Shimizu in action for former club West Ham United / Gary Oakley/GettyImages

Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: "Risa brings intelligence and technical quality to the team. She’s an established international with huge WSL experience and we are delighted to bring her to our club."

Shimizu becomes City’s second signing of the summer transfer window as she follows the league’s all-time top goalscorer Vivianne Miedema through the door. The former Arsenal star signed last week on a free transfer following the expiration of her contract at the Emirates.

Taylor will hope any new recruits ensure his side are ready to compete at the top end of the WSL once again after they narrowly missed out on the league title last term. City finished the 2023/24 campaign level on points with champions Chelsea, but failed to lift the trophy due to their inferior goal difference.

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