Juventus Women have completed the permanent signing of Japanese midfielder Manaka Hayashi from NWSL side Chicago Stars FC.
The 22-year-old has signed a contract with the Italian champions until 30 June 2029, becoming the latest addition to Juventus’ squad. Hayashi arrives in Turin after developing her career across Japan and the United States and can operate in several central midfield roles.
Her arrival also continues a busy period for Juventus, who have added Hayashi shortly after completing the signing of Spanish forward Amaiur Sarriegi from Atlético Madrid.
Transfer snapshot
Player: Manaka Hayashi
From: Chicago Stars FC
To: Juventus Women
Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Nationality: Japan
Transfer: Permanent
Contract: Until 30 June 2029
Hayashi leaves Chicago Stars for Juventus
Hayashi’s move to Juventus represents the next step in a career that has already taken her through three different football environments.
Born in 2004, the midfielder developed at the JFA Academy Fukushima, one of Japan’s leading development programmes, before continuing her career with INAC Kobe Leonessa.
She later moved to the United States, where she played college football for Santa Clara University and also represented Oakland Soul before stepping up to the NWSL with Chicago Stars.
Now Hayashi will make her first move into European football after Juventus reached an agreement to sign her permanently from the Chicago club.
What Manaka Hayashi can bring to Juventus
Juventus describe Hayashi as a technically strong midfielder with the tactical intelligence to play in more than one role. She can operate as a deeper-lying midfielder responsible for helping dictate possession but can also play further forward as a central midfielder.
That versatility gives Juventus another option as they prepare to compete both domestically and in Europe during the 2026/27 campaign.
Despite her young age, Hayashi has already experienced different styles of football in Japan and the United States. She has also represented Japan at youth international level.
The move to Serie A will now give her the opportunity to continue that development in European football.
Juventus continue strengthening their squad
Hayashi is the latest player to join Juventus during the early weeks of the new season. The Italian side also completed the permanent signing of Amaiur Sarriegi from Atlético Madrid, with the Spanish forward likewise signing until 2029.
While Sarriegi strengthens Juventus’ attacking options, Hayashi provides additional depth and versatility in midfield as the club prepares for a demanding domestic and European schedule.
For Hayashi, the transfer brings her NWSL spell to an end and begins a new chapter in Italy with Juventus.
Source: Juventus
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