Aston Villa have completed the signing of Rofiat Adenike Imuran from London City Lionesses, with the 22-year-old Nigerian defender agreeing a three-year contract. The move gives Villa another experienced option at the back as they prepare for the 2026/27 WSL season.
Imuran arrives after two years with London City Lionesses, where she made more than 30 appearances and helped the club earn promotion to the Women’s Soccer League for the first time. For Villa, the signing fits a clear need after last season’s ninth-place finish and the club’s public desire to add more strength and depth in defence.
Why the move matters for Aston Villa
Villa head into the new campaign looking to be more competitive across the season, and defensive reinforcements were an obvious priority. Imuran brings both experience and age profile to the squad, with senior and youth international background for Nigeria and a record of competing in major tournaments.
She began her professional career with Reims in 2022 and went on to feature for Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The Falconets reached the quarter-finals of that tournament before losing 2-0 to the Netherlands. Imuran was also part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the Super Falcons reached the Round of 16 before losing to England on penalties after a goalless draw.
That international experience should give Villa a defender who is already used to high-pressure matches. She also adds another layer of competition in a squad that needs to improve at both ends of the pitch after finishing ninth last season.
What comes next
Imuran’s timing also means she could be in line to make her debut quickly. Aston Villa are scheduled to begin their 2026-27 WSL campaign away to Chelsea next weekend, and the new signing may be available for that fixture.
Her move also comes after a busy spell in 2026, when she was involved with the Super Falcons at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Nigeria exited at the quarter-final stage against Cameroon, but the tournament added another senior international competition to her resume.
For Villa, the signing is straightforward: a young defender with top-level experience, a recent promotion pedigree, and a contract that runs until 2029. For Imuran, it is another step up, and a chance to establish herself in the WSL with a club looking to move forward.
Sporting Director Marisa Ewers welcomed our shining Star! Let’s gooo, Rofiat!!!
