Man City sign Japan’s Fujino on three-year deal

Manchester City have signed Japan international Aoba Fujino on a three-year contract.

The 20-year-old forward arrives from Japanese side Tokyo Verdy Beleza and will join her new team-mates after this summer’s Olympics.

Fujino scored a brilliant free-kick against Spain in Japan’s 2-1 defeat in their opening game at Paris 2024.

Fujino is City’s third signing this summer, joining after the arrivals of Vivianne Miedema and Risa Shimizu.

“This is a very big club with a lot of history, so I’m really excited to come here,” Fujino said.

“In the league, this is a top-level club both physically and technically. That is something that I find very appealing, the size of the team and the organisation. It’s very important to play in this kind of environment.”

Fujino scored 24 goals and registered 17 assists during her 51 appearances for Tokyo Verdy Beleza.

At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, she made history by becoming Japan’s youngest ever goalscorer, netting in their group game against Costa Rica.

City boss Gareth Taylor said: “Aoba brings even more excitement and technical quality to the team.

“She is still young but has already established herself on the international stage. We are delighted to bring her to our club.”