Everton FC have confirmed the signing of Japan international and former West Ham midfielder Honoka Hayashi.

Hayashi, who spent the last two years at West Ham United and made 50 appearances, will continue her stint in the Women’s Super League by moving to Merseyside.

The length of Hayashi’s contract with the Blues remains undisclosed. She becomes Brian Sorensen’s third signing of the summer, joining forward Toni Payne and goalkeeper Ines Pereira.

Hayashi expressed her enthusiasm about the move, telling Evertonfc.com: “I am honored to join such a big club as Everton. I was looking for a new challenge and will do everything I can to help the club succeed. I am looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans.”

Everton manager Brian Sorensen added: “It’s great to welcome Honoka to the club. In our system, our central players need to be dynamic and comfortable on the ball. Honoka fits that perfectly.”

The 26-year-old is set to represent her national team in the upcoming Paris Olympics this summer, where Japan will aim to make an early impression in their Group C games against Brazil, Spain, and Nigeria.


Featured image courtesy of Emilie Mwanza. 

By Emilie Mwanza

Founder of Beyond The 90. Trainee multimedia journalist based in Preston.