Mao Itamura completes permanent Liverpool Women transfer

Liverpool FC Women have officially completed the permanent signing of Japanese attacking midfielder Mao Itamura from Feyenoord Women,

The 19-year-old arrives on Merseyside as one of the most exciting young talents in the European game, putting the final touches on her move at the AXA Melwood Training Centre.

The deal remains subject to standard visa and international clearance, but it represents a massive coup for the Reds ahead of the new 2026/27 campaign.

Itamura becomes the fifth major addition and will wear the number 26 shirt and during this frantic summer window for manager Gareth Taylor she will be joining a heavily reinforced squad that already boasts new arrivals Vivien Endemann, Sara Agrez, Mari Ward, and goalkeeper Khiara Keating.

Why Itamura is the ultimate 'front-footed' threat

For both Liverpool supporters and supporters of the women’s game, Itamura’s stats from last season should set alarm bells ringing for WSL defences.

She isn't just a prospect for the future; she is a match-winner right now. During the 2025-26 campaign, Itamura was named the Women’s Eredivisie Player of the Year after guiding Feyenoord’s historic charge into European football.

Mao Itamura: 2025-26 Eredivisie campaign

Stylistically, Itamura is a dynamic, front-footed playmaker who thrives under pressure. Her footballing journey began at the prestigious JFA Academy Fukushima before she made the brave leap to Europe with Feyenoord in January 2025.

Internationally, her pedigree is just as sparkling. A regular at both U17 and U20 Women’s World Cups, she recently played a pivotal role as Japan lifted the U20 Women’s Asian Cup in April.

Speaking exclusively to the club’s official channels upon arrival, Itamura made no secret of her excitement about stepping onto the Women Super League stage and fulfilling a childhood dream.

"It’s a league and club that was one of my goals. So, I’m happy to be here," Itamura said. "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. I’m really happy to have the opportunity to play in Liverpool, a big club.”"

Mao Itamura - Liverpoolfc.com

When asked what supporters can expect when she pulls on the number 26 shirt, the teenager was clear about her identity on the pitch.

"“My strength is dribbling and going all the way to the line. I want to show everyone my dribbling skills. Of course, I want to make the fans excited with my skills. I also want to contribute to the team with my strengths, goals and assists.”"

A growing Japanese core on Merseyside

While Andoni Iraola squad dominates the current headlines with their pre-season tour stateside, Taylor’s women’s side is quietly building a identity capable of disrupting the WSL after a dssapointing 2025/26 campaign and just about scraping survival in the league.

One of the most intriguing storylines of this transfer is the partnership Itamura could strike up with her compatriot, Fuka Nagano. Nagano has already established herself as a vital player in the Liverpool midfield; adding Itamura’s explosive directness just ahead of her gives the Reds a distinct, technically elite Japanese core.

With Taylor adding depth across every department this summer, Liverpool are signaling that they aren't just looking to compete in the top flight they are building a squad designed to entertain and sustain success at the very highest level.

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