Imuran joins Aston Villa from London City Lionesses

Super Falcons defender Rofiat Imuran has joined Aston Villa Women ahead of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Aston Villa announced the signing of the Nigeria international on Sunday, with the move subject to visa approval.

The 22-year-old defender becomes Villa’s ninth addition of the summer transfer window as manager Natalia Arroyo continues to strengthen her squad ahead of the new season.

Imuran began her career in the Nigeria Women’s Football League with Sunshine Queens and Rivers Angels before moving to France, where she spent two seasons with Stade de Reims.

The full-back made 27 league appearances and scored seven goals for the French club before switching to English football with London City Lionesses in 2024.

Imuran made her senior international debut for Nigeria in 2022 and was part of the Super Falcons squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She also represented Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Speaking after completing her move to Villa, Imuran said, “I’m very excited to be here and I want to achieve a lot of things.

“It’s a big club with a lot of history, and it has big ambitions, and I want to be part of it.”

Marisa Ewers, Aston Villa’s Director of Women’s Football, said Imuran would add pace and energy to the club’s defensive options.

“Rofiat is an exciting young defender who already has good experience in English football and at international level.

“She brings pace, energy and quality to our defensive options, and we believe her attributes are a really good fit for how Natalia wants the team to play.

“As a club, we have ambitions to build stronger connections across Africa and continue to identify and develop exciting talent from the continent. Rofiat’s arrival is another positive step in that direction.

“We’re delighted to welcome her to Aston Villa and look forward to seeing her continue to develop with us.”