West Ham United has made a significant addition to their squad by signing midfielder Saki Kumagai from London City Lionesses on a permanent basis. The announcement was made through an official press release from the club, confirming the completion of the deal.
Kumagai, a seasoned player at 35 years old, has signed a one-year contract with The Hammers, bringing a wealth of experience to the team. She joined London City Lionesses in January 2025, where she quickly made an impact by helping the club secure the Barclays WSL2 title just three months later. Following that success, she played in the top tier of women’s football in England for The Pride during the previous season.
Throughout her illustrious career, Kumagai has played for several prestigious clubs across Europe, including Urawa Reds, Eintracht Frankfurt, OL Lyon, FC Bayern Munich, and AS Roma. Notably, she won five UEFA Women’s Champions League titles with OL Lyon, showcasing her talent on the continental stage. Furthermore, her success extends beyond club football, as she has lifted league titles in four different countries, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability in various competitive environments.
On the international front, Kumagai has represented Japan 173 times, scoring four goals. Her most notable achievement came in 2011 when she was part of the Japanese national team that triumphed in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking a historic moment for Japanese women's football.
Upon her arrival at West Ham United, Kumagai expressed her enthusiasm for joining the club, stating, “I’m very happy to be here and excited to join West Ham United.” She emphasized her extensive experience across different leagues and countries, hoping to leverage that to benefit her new team. Kumagai described herself as a versatile player, ready to contribute wherever needed and committed to giving her best for the club.
She also acknowledged the competitive nature of the Women’s Super League (WSL), expressing eagerness to continue her journey in England with West Ham. Kumagai looks forward to meeting her new teammates and working with head coach Rita Guarino as she aims to make a positive impact in the upcoming season.
Kumagai’s signing comes just ahead of the transfer deadline, marking an important step for West Ham United as they look to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead in the WSL.
Leave a Comment