Villa sign Maya Hijikata

Aston Villa Women have signed Maya Hijikata from the fantastically named Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza. The 21-year-old striker becomes the second Japanese player to sign for Villa after Mana Iwabuchi in 2010.

Former Villan and now Villa's Director of Women’s Football Marisa Ewers: “Maya is a promising and versatile forward, and we’re excited to bring her to Aston Villa.

“She has great technical ability, and we believe she is a big part of our future.” Full Player Profile: