Risa Shimizu joins West Ham United from a Japanese side, Tokyo Verdy Beleza.
The 26-year-old has spent her whole career with the club from the Japanese capital, which plays in the top tier of the Japanese women’s football. The international defender with over 50 caps for the national team won a couple domestic titles with Tokyo Verdy Beleza. Shimizu will play abroad for the first time in her career, becoming Hammers’ eleventh addition in the summer. Thea Kyvåg, Vivane Asseyi, Alex Henessy, Sophie Hillyerd, Lisa Evans, Kirsty Smith and Izzy Atkinson are some of the other signings.
“I wanted to make the move overseas and join a Club in one of the top divisions and so, when I heard of West Ham’s interest, I decided it was time to take that step. I took up the offer straight away as I believe West Ham is the perfect fit for me,” said Shimizu.