Brighton and Hove Albion sign Japan International striker for undisclosed fee
The striker will join up with her new Albion teammates when she returns from the Olympics in Paris, ahead of the new Barclays Women’s Super League season.
Managing director of women’s and girls’ football Zoe Johnson said, “We’re delighted to welcome Kiko to the club. She comes to us with a lot of experience at the highest level in Japan, which has earned her a well-deserved place in the Olympic squad this upcoming tournament.
“We look forward to working with Kiko and seeing her career develop in the WSL.”
The 27-year-old joins us after a 15-year spell with Urawa Reds, where she made more than 150 appearances.
She scored 40 goals, including 20 last season to claim the league’s top scorer award, as Urawa retained their league title. She also won the league’s Most Valuable Player award.
Kiko has made 21 appearances for Japan since her debut in 2019, including three last season and will be a part of Japan’s squad for the Olympics in Paris in July and August.
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Former St Pauli manager Fabian Hurzeler was appointed as manager of Brighton & Hove Albion and in being appointed on the South Coast has become the youngest manager in the Premier League.
The German will have a tough task to replace Roberto De Zerbi who guided the Seagulls to Europa League football as well as the FA Cup semi-final before losing on penalties to Manchester United during his 18 months in England.
Hurzeler’s job has been made harder by the fact that two key players for Brighton could well be on their way out of the AMEX Stadium in the off-season.
