Aston Villa sign Nigeria defender Rofiat Imuran from London City Lionesses

Aston Villa Women have signed Nigeria international defender Rofiat Imuran permanently from London City Lionesses, making the 22-year-old the club’s ninth addition of the summer transfer window.

The left-back will join Natalia Arroyo’s squad as Aston Villa continue to strengthen their team ahead of the new season.

Imuran began her professional career in France with Stade de Reims, where she made 27 league appearances and scored seven goals over two seasons. She moved to London City Lionesses in 2024 and continued her development in English football before completing her switch to Villa.

The defender has also gained experience on the international stage with Nigeria. She was included in the Super Falcons squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and has represented her country at major tournaments.

Imuran was also part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

After completing her move to Aston 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.”

Aston Villa’s Director of Women’s Football, Marisa Ewers, welcomed the signing and said Imuran’s experience and playing style would suit the team.

“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.”

Ewers also said the move reflected the club’s wider ambition to strengthen its links with Africa and identify promising players from the continent.

“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.”

Imuran’s arrival takes Aston Villa’s number of summer signings to nine as Arroyo builds her squad for the forthcoming campaign.

The Nigeria defender joins after a spell with London City Lionesses, having previously spent two seasons with Stade de Reims in France. Her experience in both European and English football, combined with her international career with the Super Falcons, adds further depth to Villa’s defensive options.