Everton have signed Japan international centre-back Rion Ishikawa from Urawa Red Diamonds.
The 22-year-old becomes the Toffees’ third signing of the summer transfer window after midfielder Rosa van Gool and winger Ornella Vignola , as owners The Friedkin Group continue to back Everton Women ahead of their landmark season with Goodison Park as their new home.
A key player for ‘Nadeshiko’ on the international stage, Ishikawa joins fellow Japanese international Honoka Hayashi – with whom she won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
After sealing her switch to Merseyside, Ishikawa spoke of her excitement at playing in front of the Goodison faithful and the family feel at the Club.
“It is an honour to join the Club as we enter this new historic chapter,” she told evertontv. “It is very special for the Women’s team to have what was the Men’s main stadium as our home.
“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.
“When I was deciding which team to join, the atmosphere of the team was always an important factor to consider. I am happy to be a part of this team that values a good environment, and I can’t wait to be able to join the family.”
Ishikawa graduated from the JFA Academy Fukushima in 2022 and made the move to Urawa Red Diamonds.
Her solid performances in defence saw her called up to the Japan Under-20 squad that year, where she helped her nation to second place in the tournament.
That was not to be Ishikawa’s last World Cup action for her country, as she made the senior side’s 23-player squad for the prestigious competition only a year later.
A trip to the 2024 Olympics soon followed, with a triumphant SheBelieves Cup campaign in 2025 alongside fellow Toffee Hayashi.
Now donning the blue of Everton, Ishikawa outlined how playing at the pinnacle of club football will help her development and aid her intentional career.
She said: “I believe this league is the best in the world. I am really lucky I can compete in it. I will work hard to achieve the best possible results with my teammates.
“I will be able to challenge myself with high intensity every day, and by doing so, I will be able to perform better at the World Cup and the Olympics.”
Everton manager Sorensen expressed his delight at completing the signing of the highly-rated international and explained his reasoning for bringing Ishikawa to the Club.
“We are really pleased to have signed a player of Rion’s quality,” he said. “She is a perfect match for what we are trying to build at Everton.
“Her fearless nature and passion will make her a fans’ favourite, with her composure on the ball and powerful strength key attributes to her game. Despite being only 22, Rion has a lot of experience of playing at the top level and has achieved a lot on the international stage with Japan. She will be an important player for us.
“I am excited to see her shine at Goodison Park as we enter this new chapter for our team.”
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