Aston Villa Women Complete Signing of Japan Forward Maya Hijikata

Aston Villa Women have signed Japan international striker Maya Hijikata from NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza.

She made her senior debut for Japan in 2023 as they won the Asian Games, after helping the U-20s finish runners-up at the 2022 World Cup.

Director of Women’s Football Marisa Ewers told avfc.co.uk: “Maya is a promising and versatile forward, and we’re excited to bring her to Aston Villa.

“She has great technical ability and we believe she is a big part of our future.”

Wilf Frith

Wilf Frith is a women’s football news editor who works for Her Goal Magazine and had been with all its predecessors since 1996, becoming a founding team member after running Sunday Kicks. He has also held previous long-term roles as press officer for the Cornwall Women’s Football League and Penzance Ladies FC.

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