Khiara Keating's competition! Man City replace departed Lioness Ellie Roebuck with Japan's World Cup & Olympics star Ayaka Yamashita

Despite Keating enjoying a breakthrough season in 2023-24 that made her the team's No.1 as a 19-year-old, the Cityzens were short in the goalkeeper department coming into this transfer window. That's because back-up Sandy MacIver ruptured her ACL in April and Roebuck, an 11-time England international, left for Barcelona when her contract expired this summer.

The club has now acted to reinforce that department before the new Women's Super League season begins in September, signing Japan No.1 Yamashita from WE League side INAC Kobe Leonessa. The 28-year-old was a key player for her country en route to the World Cup quarter-finals last year and the same stage of this summer's Olympics and has put pen to paper on a three-year deal. She will wear the No.31 shirt, the same number that Ederson wears on the men's side.

“First of all, it is a great honour to join such a wonderful club and team. I feel very honoured to be here," Yamashita said. “Because of my personality, I am very hungry. I've won various trophies in Asia, but to level up myself, I felt the need to take on a challenge. It's a famous club that everyone knows, and even now, it feels unbelievable to me.

“During my time at Beleza, I used to play with Yui Hasegawa, who is here now, so she is very encouraging. I'm really looking forward to playing with her again. It's also exciting to join a team with Ederson, whom I admire, and to wear the same shirt. I'm really looking forward to it. Last season was really close, I thought that while watching the games from Japan. I want to support the team in winning titles and contribute to the team.”

Yamashita is City's fifth signing of the summer, three of whom have been Japan internationals. Risa Shimizu was the first through the door last month, joining on a free transfer from West Ham, while wonderkid Aoba Fujino also signed for the club last week. Vivianne Miedema, the WSL's all-time top goal-scorer, and Eve Annets, an England youth international goalkeeper, have also arrived.

Runners-up in last season's title race, the Cityzens will begin their bid to one go better when the WSL gets underway next month. Gareth Taylor's side have a tough first fixture, away at Arsenal on September 22.