West Ham United Women have completed the signing of Japan legend Saki Kumagai from London City Lionesses, adding one of the most decorated players in women’s football to Rita Guarino’s squad.
The Hammers have officially confirmed Kumagai’s arrival on a permanent deal after an agreement was reached before Thursday night’s Women’s Super League transfer deadline.
The 35-year-old has signed a one-year contract and becomes West Ham’s tenth permanent signing of a remarkable summer rebuild.
ReadWestHam reported on Friday morning that West Ham were set to land Kumagai after The Guardian revealed that the final details of the transfer were being completed.
That move is now official.
Saki Kumagai brings elite experience to West Ham
Few players arriving in east London can match Kumagai’s CV.
The Japan international won the Women’s World Cup in 2011 and scored the decisive penalty in the final shootout against the United States.
She has also won the UEFA Women’s Champions League five times during her career with Lyon, while her club journey has included Bayern Munich, Roma and London City.
Kumagai has earned more than 170 caps for Japan and can operate either in central midfield or defence.
That versatility gives Guarino another experienced option in two areas of the squad ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.
West Ham had already made nine permanent additions before deadline day, with our analysis of Guarino’s summer rebuild highlighting how significantly the squad had changed.
Kumagai takes that recruitment drive another step further.
West Ham make statement before Tottenham opener
The timing could hardly be better.
West Ham begin their WSL campaign away to Tottenham on Sunday, just two days after officially announcing Kumagai.
We have already looked at the major challenges awaiting West Ham against Tottenham following contrasting pre-season preparations.
Whether Kumagai is ready to feature immediately remains to be seen, but her arrival gives Guarino another proven leader heading into the opening weekend.
The midfielder said she hopes to use the experience collected across several countries to help West Ham and emphasised her willingness to contribute wherever the team needs her.
West Ham’s summer recruitment had already been substantial.
Adding a World Cup winner and five-time Champions League champion at the deadline makes Kumagai one of the most eye-catching additions of the lot.
