Manchester City are all set to welcome the Japanese talent, Aoba Fujino, on a three-year contract. The 20-year-old previously represented Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the Japan Women’s Empowerment Professional Football League. Fujino has won the WE League Valuable Player Award twice in the three seasons she played. With 51 appearances, she scored 24 goals and provided 17 assists.
Right now, Fujino is representing her national team in the Paris Olympics, where Japan will be taking on the USA in a quarter-final clash. Her free-kick against Spain helped Japan win their opening game 2-1. The youngster’s potential was first noted during the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, where she was awarded the Bronze Boot. Recognizing her ability, she was added to Japan’s senior national team and became the youngest senior player to score a goal in the World Cup last year. Fujino’s first goal came against Costa Rica.
We are delighted to announce the signing of @Aoba_Fujino11 from Tokyo Verdy Beleza! ✍️
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 2, 2024
Aoba Fujino is Gareth Taylor’s third signing this summer, following Vivianne Miedema and Risa Shimizu. Aoba’s impressive talent was praised by Taylor and the managing director, Charlotte O’Neill. With compatriot Yui Hasegawa and Fujino pairing up on the field, they could potentially help the strikers do their job.
Fujino on joining the Women’s Super League: “That is something that I find very appealing, the size of the team and the organization. It’s very important to play in this kind of environment. This is a very big club with a lot of history, so I’m really excited to come here.”
🗣️ “Both physically and technically, this is a top level club. That is something I find very appealing!”
Aoba Fujino speaks to us in her first Club interview! 🎥 pic.twitter.com/NEY9l5aNTS
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 2, 2024
Gareth Taylor said the following about Aoba’s addition to the squad: “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.”
The Japanese youngster will join her new teammates at Man City later in August, as the team travel to Perth. The forward will wear the number 20 shirt for Man City.
