Everton have signed Japan defender Hikaru Kitagawa from Swedish aspect BK Hacken.
Left-back Kitagawa, 28, turns into Everton’s fourth signing of the summer season following the arrivals of Rosa van Gool, Ornella Vignola and Rion Ishikawa.
Kitagawa, who joins on undisclosed phrases, says she had a “objective” to play within the Ladies’s Tremendous League and that her determination was made simpler after conversations with compatriot Honoka Hayashi, who has performed for Everton since July 2024.
“I am very excited to play for Everton,” Kitagawa stated. “I made a decision to affix this workforce as a result of I watched them final season and spoke to the top coach.
“Earlier than I signed, I had a chat with Honoka and he or she instructed me in regards to the membership. I felt that Everton is a membership with a heat environment.
“It’s a snug and pleasant place and I’m actually joyful to be a member of this membership now.”
Toffees boss Brian Sorensen stated her arrival is a “massive assertion” and he believes she is among the many “prime 10 left-backs on the planet”.
He added: “She has expertise of taking part in on the prime stage at each worldwide and membership stage.
“Her need to win and management qualities can have a constructive impact on the squad, along with her humble and respectful persona making her a preferred determine within the dressing room.”
