Liverpool sign midfielder Itamura from Feyenoord

Liverpool have signed attacking midfielder Mao Itamura from Feyenoord. The 19-year-old becomes the fifth addition to Gareth Taylor's squad this summer and replaces Republic of Ireland's Denise O'Sullivan , who joined Gotham FC on an initial loan deal. 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 Feyenoord qualify for European football for the first time in their history and was part of the Japan Under-20s squad that won the Women's Asian Cup in April. "It's a league and a club that was one of my goals [to join]. I'm happy to be here," said Itamura. "When I started playing soccer, one of my goals was to become a professional footballer. When I reached that goal, I wanted to play for my favourite team. "I'm really happy to have the opportunity to play in Liverpool, which is a big club." Itamura began her career in Japan with JFA Academy Fukushima before joining Feyenoord in January 2025. She will wear the number 26 shirt and follows the arrivals of Vivien Endemann, Sara Agrez, Mari Ward and Khiara Keating at Liverpool. [BBC] Find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page