Everton Women have signed Japan international full-back Hikaru Kitagawa from Swedish club BK Häcken.
Kitagawa helped Japan win the 2025 SheBelieves Cup with two assists against Australia and was in the squad for the 2024 Olympics.
Kitagawa told evertontv: “Before I signed, I had a chat with Honoka [Hayashi] and she told me about the club. I felt that Everton is a club with a warm atmosphere. It is a comfortable and friendly place and I am really happy to be a member of this club now.
“I had a goal to play in this league. I want to play as many games as possible in the league and win. I am looking forward to the derby, I want to win it. It will be a fiery battle.”
Everton manager Brian Sorensen told evertonfc.com: “Hikaru is a player I was eager to sign and it is a big statement from the club to bring in a player of her quality. For me, she is among the top 10 left-backs in the world.
“Hikaru is an intelligent defender, really comfortable on the ball, who loves to join the offence and contribute to the team’s attack.
“She has experience of playing at the top level at both international and club level. Her desire to win and leadership qualities will have a positive effect on the squad, with her humble and respectful personality making her a popular figure in the dressing room.”
