Manchester City has announced their second acquisition of the summer transfer window, signing Japan international Risa Shimizu.
Shimizu joins on a three-year deal, valid until the summer of 2027, after her contract with West Ham United ended. She will now be part of the Joie Stadium roster.
Starting her career in Japan with Tokyo Verdy Beleza, the same team where her national and now City teammate Yui Hasegawa also played, Shimizu moved to England in 2022 to join West Ham. She has spent the last two seasons there.
On the international stage, the 28-year-old has over 70 caps for Japan, having participated in two World Cups and an Olympic Games.
In the last WSL season, she played in all 22 of West Ham’s league matches and scored in their 4-3 loss to Tottenham Hotspur 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.”
Head Coach Gareth Taylor commented: “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 is City’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Vivianne Miedema, the league’s all-time top goalscorer, who joined last week on a free transfer after her contract with Arsenal ended.
Taylor hopes that the new additions will help the team compete at the top of the WSL again, after they narrowly missed out on the league title last season, finishing level on points with Chelsea but losing out due to an inferior goal difference.
