Liverpool FC have officially confirmed the signing of Mao Itamura this Monday, subject to visa approval and international clearance.
Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool FC’s pre-season prep has kicked into full gear, with Andoni Iraola’s squad departing John Lennon Airport on Monday afternoon bound for a two-week stay in the United States
The initial travelling party is a 31-man group, mixing established stars, returning loanees and highly rated Academy prospects.
UK ONLY
The Reds will open their US schedule against Sunderland at Nashville’s GEODIS Park on July 25, before facing Wrexham at Yankee Stadium on July 29 and closing out against Leeds United at Chicago’s Soldier Field on August 2.
While the men’s side jets off stateside, it’s been a busy few days on the women’s front too, with Liverpool FC Women completing the signing of Japanese forward Mao Itamura from Feyenoord.
Itamura arrives on Merseyside fresh from winning the Women’s Eredivisie Player of the Year award for 2025-26, having produced eight goals and six assists over the course of last season.
Speaking at her unveiling, Itamura said:
“It’s a league and club that was one of my goals. So, I’m happy to be here.”
“When I started playing football, one of my goals was to become a professional footballer. When I reached that goal, I wanted to play for my favourite team.”
“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to play in Liverpool, a big club.”
In April, she helped Japan win the U20 Women’s Asian Cup, adding another line to an already impressive CV after representing her country at both the U17 and U20 Women’s World Cups.
The 19-year-old added on her playstyle:
“My strength is dribbling and going all the way to the line,” she said. “I want to show everyone my dribbling skills.
“Of course, I want to make the fans excited with my skills. I also want to contribute to the team with my strengths, goals and assists.”
She joins Fuka Nagano at the club as another Japanese player representing Liverpool FC Women.
Feyenoord
Liverpool FC Women
Mao Itamura