Mao Itamura Transfer to Liverpool: WSL Signing of Japanese Star

Liverpool Women have added a significant attacking threat to their squad with the signing of Japanese midfielder Mao Itamura from Feyenoord. The 19-year-old arrives as the fifth summer addition for manager Gareth Taylor, bringing with her the 2025-26 Women's Eredivisie Player of the Season award and a reputation for decisive contributions in the final third. Mao Itamura's transfer from Feyenoord to Liverpool marks a major move in women's football.

Itamura's move to Merseyside, announced on July 20, 2026, is subject to visa approval and international clearance. She has already put pen to paper at the AXA Melwood Training Centre, the club's state-of-the-art facility that now serves as the base for both the men's and women's sides. The transfer sees her replace Republic of Ireland international Denise O'Sullivan, who joined Gotham FC on an initial loan deal.

From Fukushima to Rotterdam to Merseyside

Itamura's path to the Women's Super League began at JFA Academy Fukushima in Japan, the renowned development program that has produced numerous national team talents. She made the move to Europe in January 2025, joining Feyenoord. In just over a season with the Rotterdam club, she made a profound impact.

During the 2025-26 campaign, Itamura scored eight goals and provided six assists for Feyenoord, helping the club achieve a third-place finish in the Eredivisie — their highest-ever league position. That result also secured European qualification for the first time in the club's history, a milestone that underscores her influence on the team's trajectory.

Her individual performances earned her the Women's Eredivisie Player of the Season award, a recognition that put her on the radar of clubs across Europe. Liverpool moved quickly to secure her signature, adding her to a summer intake that already included Vivien Endemann, Sara Agrez, Mari Ward, and Khiara Keating.

International Pedigree and Family Ties

Itamura's development has been tracked by Japan's youth setup for years. She has represented her country at various levels up to and including the Under-20 squad, and was part of the Japan team that won the U-20 Women's Asian Cup in April 2026. That tournament victory added silverware to a season already defined by individual and club success.

For Itamura, the move to Liverpool carries personal significance beyond the professional opportunity. In her first interview as a Liverpool player, she revealed that her eldest brother is a devoted Liverpool fan — so devoted that he has traveled to the city just for sightseeing. “He’ll be the happiest,” she said, speaking about her family's reaction to the transfer.

“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,” Itamura explained. “I’m really happy to have the opportunity to play in Liverpool, which is a big club.”

What She Brings to the WSL

Itamura is an attacking midfielder by trade, comfortable operating between the lines and creating chances for teammates. Her eight goals and six assists in the Eredivisie last season demonstrate a player who can both finish and facilitate. At 19, she is still early in her development curve, but her experience in a competitive European league and on the international stage with Japan's youth teams suggests she can adapt quickly to the demands of the Women's Super League.

She will wear the number 26 shirt for Liverpool, a squad number that carries no small amount of history at the club. Her arrival adds depth to an attacking midfield unit that Gareth Taylor has been reshaping throughout the summer transfer window.

“It’s a league and a club that was one of my goals [to join]. I’m happy to be here,” Itamura said, summing up her motivation for the move. The WSL has become an increasingly attractive destination for Japanese talent, and Itamura's decision to join Liverpool reinforces that trend.

Looking Ahead

Liverpool Women have been building steadily under Taylor, and the addition of a player of Itamura's caliber signals ambition. The club's pre-season preparations are already underway, with a 31-player squad named for a tour of the United States. Itamura will need to integrate quickly, but her technical ability and tactical intelligence should ease the transition.

For Feyenoord, losing their Player of the Season is a blow, but the club can point to Itamura's development as evidence of their growing reputation in women's football. For Liverpool, the hope is that she can replicate the form that made her one of the most exciting young players in the Netherlands.

The Women's Super League is a step up in intensity and quality, but Itamura has already shown she can rise to challenges. From JFA Academy Fukushima to Feyenoord to Liverpool, her journey is a testament to the global nature of the women's game and the increasing flow of talent between leagues. If her first season in England mirrors her last in the Netherlands, Liverpool fans have plenty to look forward to.