Liverpool sign Japan midfielder Mao Itamura

Liverpool have officially announced the signing of attacking midfielder Mao Itamura from Dutch club Feyenoord. The 19-year-old is the fifth new arrival for Gareth Taylor’s side this summer, arriving to fill the gap left by Denise O'Sullivan, who recently joined Gotham FC on loan.

Itamura arrives with a strong reputation, having been named the Women's Eredivisie player of the season for 2025-26. During that campaign, she contributed eight goals and six assists, playing a pivotal role in helping Feyenoord qualify for European football for the first time.

It's a league and a club that was one of my goals [to join]. 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. Mao Itamura

Internationally, she was part of the Japan Under-20 side that secured the Women's Asian Cup title in April. Itamura began her path in the sport at JFA Academy Fukushima before her move to the Netherlands in January 2025.

At Liverpool, she will wear the number 26 shirt. She joins a growing list of summer recruits including Vivien Endemann, Sara Agrez, Mari Ward, and Khiara Keating.