FC Tokyo 2:1 Nagoya Grampus 
Dalian Kewei 1:2 Beijing Guoan 
Tsirang 2:3 Drukpa 
New Lambton 5:2 Toronto Awaba Stags 
Canberra Juventus 2:5 Canberra FC 
Preston Lions 3:2 Newcastle Jets 
Lions 1:1 Perth Glory 
Coal India 1:0 Aryan 
Calcutta Customs 4:2 Patha Chakra 
Railway 0:1 George Telegraph 
Cumberland United 0:3 Heidelberg United 
Jeju United FC 1:1 Gangwon FC 
Jeonbuk Motors 0:0 Daejeon Citizen 
Ulsan Hyundai FC 1:2 Incheon United 
Bayswater City 1:5 Sydney 
Sheffield Utd 3:1 Huddersfield 
SHANGHAI SIPG 1:1 Sichuan Jiuniu 
Bristol City 0:0 Newport County 
Chongqing Tongliang Long 2:0 Qingdao Youth Island 
Shanghai Shenhua 4:1 Qingdao Jonoon 
Wuhan Three Towns 2:2 Shandong Luneng 
QPR 1:0 Wycombe 
FC Viktoria Köln 5:2 VVV Venlo 
Henan Jianye 1:1 Dalian Zhixing 
Yunnan Yukun 3:3 Chengdu Better City 
Chelsea U21 0:0 Cardiff City U21 
Livyi Bereh 2:2 Obolon'-Brovar 
Herentals 1:0 Manica Diamonds 
Tadamon Sour 1:0 Racing 
Fremad Amager 3:1 Sundby 
Aston Villa Women just made a big move by signing Japan’s 21-year-old goalkeeper, Akane Okuma. She’s a rising talent from the Japanese league, and now she’s heading to the Women’s Super League. This transfer shows Villa is serious about building a strong team for the future.
Who Is Akane Okuma?
Okuma has been making a name for herself back in Japan. She’s known for quick reflexes and solid command of the box. Even though she’s only 21, she’s already played in top matches in Japan’s professional league. Here are a few highlights about her:
- Young but experienced – she started her pro career early and gained lots of minutes.
- International talent – she’s been part of Japan’s youth national teams, showing promise for the senior squad.
- Strong shot-stopping – coaches praise her ability to make big saves under pressure.
Fans are excited to see how she adapts to the faster pace of the WSL.
What This Means for Aston Villa’s Season
Bringing in a new goalkeeper adds depth and competition to Villa’s squad. It’s not just about having a backup – Okuma could push for a starting spot. The team’s defense has been improving, and having a young keeper with international experience can only help. Here’s what fans might expect:
- More options for the manager in net.
- A longer-term plan – Okuma can grow with the team over several seasons.
- A boost in club profile – signing a Japanese player draws attention from a global fanbase.
Villa’s women’s side is clearly aiming to climb the WSL table, and this signing is part of that plan.
A Growing Trend: Global Talent in the WSL
Okuma’s move to Aston Villa is also a sign of how international the Women’s Super League has become. Players from all over the world are choosing England’s top league to test themselves. For Japanese players, the WSL offers a chance to play against some of the best clubs in Europe. This transfer could open doors for more talent from Asia to join the league. It’s a win for Villa, for Okuma, and for women’s football overall.