Liverpool have announced the signing of Risa Shimizu on loan from Manchester City ahead of the 2025/26 season. Head coach Gareth Taylor knows the full-back well, having previously recruited her to City following her spell at West Ham United.
The 29-year-old Japan international has featured at two World Cups and two Olympic Games. She began her career in the youth ranks at Tokyo Verdy Beleza, where she became one of the standout performers in Japan’s domestic league. Shimizu was named in the division’s Best XI every season from 2017 to 2020.
In 2022, she made the move to England with West Ham United, where she went on to make 44 appearances across two seasons. A subsequent transfer to Manchester City followed, but an ACL injury sidelined her for much of her time there. Now fully recovered, she arrives at Liverpool eager to restart her career.
What Risa Shimizu had to say
“I’m excited to join this club and I’m looking forward to being on the pitch for this club as well,” she told Liverpoolfc.com in her first interview at the AXA Melwood Training Centre.
“I know what type of football the coach plays from our time together at City so I thought it was the right fit for me and that’s why I chose this club.”
On her injury: “Because I was injured, obviously I haven’t played for a year but when I stood back on the pitch during a training match at City I felt that enjoyment again,” said Shimizu.
“So hopefully I can feel that enjoyment at Liverpool now and hopefully contribute to the club.
“I want to play and get minutes and contribute to wins for Liverpool, and as a club hopefully we can continue to aim for the top end of the table.”
Source: Liverpool
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