West Ham United Women are set to complete a major late move for Japan legend Saki Kumagai after reaching an agreement for the London City Lionesses star.
The Guardian reports that West Ham are poised to sign the 35-year-old, with the deal essentially agreed before Thursday night’s WSL transfer deadline.
The move is yet to be officially announced by West Ham, so it should still be treated as an expected transfer rather than a completed signing.
Saki Kumagai would bring huge experience to West Ham
Kumagai would add an extraordinary CV to Rita Guarino’s squad before Sunday’s WSL opener against Tottenham.
The Japan international can operate at centre-back or in defensive midfield and joined London City from Roma in January 2025.
London City described her on arrival as one of Asia’s finest players, highlighting more than 150 international caps, five Champions League triumphs and a World Cup winners’ medal.
Kumagai was part of the Japan team that won the 2011 Women’s World Cup, playing throughout the tournament and scoring the decisive penalty in the final shootout against the United States.
Her club career has also included spells with Lyon, Bayern Munich and Roma before her move to England.
West Ham have already carried out a significant rebuild ahead of Guarino’s first full season in charge, adding players including Laia Codina, Kelly Gago and Ebony Salmon.
Kumagai would provide another proven leader as the Hammers attempt to improve on last season’s tenth-place WSL finish.
The timing is also notable.
West Ham begin their campaign against Tottenham on Sunday, meaning Guarino could soon have another experienced option available as she prepares for the London derby.
For now, though, West Ham appear to have pulled off one of their most eye-catching moves of the summer after working right up to Thursday night’s deadline.
