Rofiat Imuran has joined Aston Villa Women from London City Lionesses. The Nigeria international becomes Aston Villa’s ninth summer signing. Her move remains subject to visa approval.
The 22-year-old made 10 WSL appearances last season. She started nine of those games and played 706 minutes. That experience gives Villa a defender who already knows the division.
Imuran adds WSL experience
Imuran spent the 2025/26 season with London City Lionesses. She moved there in October 2024 after leaving French club Stade de Reims.
Her first season in England ended with promotion. She made 14 appearances for London City. She also provided one assist during their WSL2 campaign.
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The following season brought top-flight football. Imuran featured 10 times in the WSL. She started nine matches and recorded 706 minutes.
Her career also includes a productive spell in France. Imuran scored seven league goals in 27 appearances for Stade de Reims. She recorded that return across two seasons.
The left-footed defender mainly plays at left-back. However, she can operate further forward. That versatility could give Natalia Arroyo more options.
Villa can use her as a traditional full-back. She can also provide an overlapping threat. Her attacking ability adds another dimension on the left.
Villa target defensive options
Aston Villa are rebuilding their squad ahead of 2026/27. Imuran now becomes the latest addition to Arroyo’s team.
Her experience stretches across three competitive environments. She has played in Nigeria, France and England.
She has also faced international competition with Nigeria. Imuran made her senior debut for the Super Falcons in 2022.
She later joined Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She also represented the country at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals at the tournament. Cameroon ended their campaign with a 1-0 victory. Cameroon eventually went on to win the competition.
Ewers praises Imuran’s qualities
Aston Villa director of women’s football Marisa Ewers highlighted what Imuran can bring.
“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 said.
Imuran also expressed her excitement after completing the move.
“I’m very excited to be here and I want to achieve a lot of things,” Imuran said after completing the move. “It’s a big club with a lot of history, and it has big ambitions, and I want to be part of it.”
The move also reflects Villa’s wider recruitment ambitions. Ewers said the club wants stronger connections across Africa. The club also wants to improve player identification and development across the continent.
For Imuran, the next challenge is earning a regular role. Her versatility could help her compete for minutes across the season.
However, she must first complete the visa process. She will become available once the necessary registration is completed.
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