Chelsea Women sign Japanese forward Maika Hamano

Chelsea's new signing, Maika Hamano
Photo: Chelsea FC

Chelsea have signed highly-rated 18-year-old Japanese forward Maika Hamano from INAC Kobe Leonessa and loaned her out to Swedish side Hammarby IF.

Hamano, who represents her native Japan, joins the club from INAC Kobe Leonessa of the WE League in her home country, and has signed a contract with the Blues which runs until the summer of 2027.

Hamano, who has signed a contract with the Blues which runs until the summer of 2027,  said: ‘I am really proud to sign for a club which in my opinion is number one in the world.’

Manager Emma Hayes commented: ‘Maika is a fantastic talent, she is a Golden Ball and Silver Boot winner having shone at the Under-20 World Cup last year. We are really looking forward to seeing how Maika develops during her time out on loan with Hammarby IF in Sweden.’

This season, the teenager has made seven appearances for the defending Japanese champions across league and cup competition. She netted two goals and added one assist to her tally before agreeing her move to Chelsea.

At international level, Hamano helped Japan to a second place finish at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup last August, managing four goals and one assist in six appearances. She was awarded the Golden Ball for best player in the tournament, and the Silver Boot as second highest goalscorer.

Her impressive form at last summer’s U-20 World Cup was dually rewarded when Hamano was handed her senior debut for the Japan national team. She came off the bench to feature in a 2-0 friendly victory over Nigeria last October.

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