Birmingham City have completed the permanent signing of Japanese midfielder Suzu Amano from Swedish side Växjö DFF for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old becomes the Blues’ eighth signing of the summer transfer window as the newly promoted club prepares for life in the Women’s Super League.
Amano arrives from Växjö DFF after a record sale
Amano began her career in Japan with INAC Kobe Leonessa before moving to Sweden to join Hammarby IF in 2024. She joined Växjö on loan in January 2025, returned to Hammarby at the end of that season, then completed a permanent move to the club for 2026.
Växjö head coach Olof Unogård confirmed the transfer as the biggest sale in the club’s history, telling the club’s own channels it was a very fine deal for Växjö and a fun opportunity for Amano, while acknowledging it is always sad to lose another talented player. He added that the club has been clear its focus lies on player sales, with this the second significant departure in quick succession following Emilie Libakken Österås’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Amano herself reflected on her time in Sweden, saying she spent a very special year and a half at Växjö.
Suzu Amano’s international pedigree
At international level, Amano has represented Japan from youth level through to the senior side, including an appearance at the 2022 Asian Games, as well as extensive involvement at the Under-20 World Cup and AFC Asian Cup. Her move to Birmingham follows experience in both Japanese and Swedish football, and she joins a Birmingham squad that already includes fellow Swede Wilma Leidhammar.
Merricks highlights Amano’s potential
Birmingham head coach Amy Merricks said Amano had gained valuable experience with Japan at age-group level, including making an impact at major international tournaments. Merricks also pointed to the midfielder’s experience in Sweden and said Birmingham were looking forward to supporting her development as part of the group.
Amano’s arrival adds another midfielder to the Birmingham squad following the club’s summer recruitment drive.
Record sale reported for Växjö
Swedish outlet Aftonbladet reported that the transfer was Växjö’s largest sale in the club’s history. SVT Sport also reported that the sale was a club record.
The transfer fee has not been disclosed.
A new addition for Birmingham
Amano now joins Birmingham City after becoming the club’s eighth signing of the summer window. The Japanese midfielder arrives from Växjö DFF with youth and senior international experience and a background in the Swedish top flight.
Source: WSL Full-Time
