Who is Risa Shimizu? Man City make former marathon runner second summer signing

With transfer season officially in full swing, Manchester City have unveiled Japanese full-back Risa Shimizu as their second signing of the summer.

Gareth Taylor's side, who finished second on goal difference in the Women's Super League (WSL) last term, had already added to their squad by recruiting Netherlands international Vivianne Miedema. But, with several defenders having left the club at the end of the season, the need for the Blues to bolster their backline this summer was paramount.

Step forward Shimizu, who joins the club on a free transfer from West Ham United and could be exactly what City need to help them secure their first WSL title since 2016. The 28-year-old has penned a three-year deal that will keep her at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2027.

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And, as the start of the 2024/25 campaign edges ever closer, the MEN takes a look at why City made Shimizu their primary defensive target and explores how the Japan international could help take the Blues to the next level.

Shimizu has established herself as one of the WSL's most eye-catching defenders since joining West Ham in the summer of 2022. The full-back arrived in East London from Tokyo Verdy Beleza in her native Japan, with whom she won five league titles.

She made 44 appearances in her two seasons with the Hammers, scoring one goal in the process. She also has a great international pedigree, having won 79 caps since making her debut in 2017, featuring at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 and 2023.

Though she is only 5ft 3in, Shimizu is known for her