Everton sign Japan centre-back Ishikawa

Rion Ishikawa was part of the Japan squad who won the SheBelieves Cup for the first time in February 2025
- Published
Everton have signed Japan centre-back Rion Ishikawa from Urawa Red Diamonds.
The 22-year-old becomes the third player to join the Toffees this summer, after Spain Under-23 winger Ornella Vignola and Dutch midfielder Rosa van Gool.
Ishikawa graduated from the JFA Academy Fukushima in 2022 and represented her country at the Under-20 World Cup in the same year as they finished runners-up.
She joins fellow Japanese international Honoka Hayashi – with whom she won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
On signing for Everton, Ishikawa said: "It is an honour to join the club as we enter this new historic chapter.
"Now that Goodison Park is our permanent home, we have to achieve strong results.
"I feel a special connection because I am joining Everton when the club is beginning a new era.
"I believe this league is the best in the world. I am really lucky I can compete in it."
Everton boss Brian Sorensen added: "We are really pleased to have signed a player of Rion's quality.
"She is a perfect match for what we are trying to build at Everton."
Check out all the summer transfer deals on our dedicated page.
