LIVERPOOL SIGN MAO ITAMURA FROM FEYENOORD

Liverpool have signed attacking midfielder Mao Itamura from Feyenoord on a permanent deal. The 19-year-old Japan international becomes the fifth summer addition to manager Gareth Taylor's squad. She replaces Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O'Sullivan, who joined Gotham FC on an initial loan. Itamura will wear the number 26 shirt at Anfield.

Itamura was named the Women's Eredivisie player of the season in 2025-26, scoring eight times and assisting six goals for Feyenoord. She helped the Dutch club qualify for European football for the first time in their history. The midfielder also featured in the Japan Under-20s squad that won the Women's Asian Cup in April. She began her professional career with JFA Academy Fukushima in Japan before joining Feyenoord in January 2025. In a statement, Itamura said: "It's a league and a club that was one of my goals. I'm happy to be here."

Itamura joins fellow recent signings Vivien Endemann, Sara Agrez, Mari Ward and Khiara Keating at Liverpool. The club has substantially reinforced its attacking options ahead of the forthcoming Women's Super League season.