Saori Takarada Signs Pre-Contract With LCFC Women

- Japanese international Saori Takarada has penned a pre-contract agreement with LCFC Women
- The midfielder is to join the Foxes in January following a spell with Swedish side Linköpings FC
- The 23-year-old has agreed an 18-month deal at King Power Stadium

The 23-year-old will arrive at King Power Stadium on 1 January having agreed a pre-contract with the Foxes following two seasons playing for Linköpings FC in Sweden’s top-flight.

She has represented Japan on 20 occasions and adds further experience to an established group of international players at Belvoir Drive as Willie Kirk continues to bolster his squad in the midst of the Club’s third successive season in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Speaking to LCFC.com, Takarada said: "I’m very happy. It’s amazing. I’ve always wanted to play in England so there's lots of excitement to be playing here in this stadium and with this team. 

“I’ve also spoken to Shinji Okazaki and he told me that it’s a very good Club here at Leicester and he hopes to see me have a good experience like he did.”

A versatile player, she came through the ranks at Japanese side Cerezo Osaka Sakai, before joining National Women’s Soccer League side Washington Spirit in December 2020. She helped the club to the league title for the first time in their history with play-off victory over Chicago Red Stars.

She later moved to Sweden in January 2022, linking up with Damallsvenskan outfit Linköpings FC and has since made over 40 appearances.

Internationally, her first involvement on the world stage came in 2019 when she was named in Japan’s squad for the Women’s World Cup in France. She made four appearances during the tournament and has since gone on to win a further 16 caps for her country.

She will now link up with her new Foxes team-mates on 1 January following the conclusion of the 2023 Damallsvenskan season.