Aemu Oyama joins HB Køge Women from Manchester City

HB Køge Women have signed Japanese midfielder Aemu Oyama. The 21-year-old joins the club from English side Manchester City, whom she joined in January 2025.

“We are incredibly happy to welcome Aemu to the club. She possesses some truly exceptional qualities on the ball, and it is no coincidence that Manchester City, the English champions, secured her signature not too long ago and that we have now brought her here from them. She has been a key player for all of Japan’s youth national teams and has previously been ranked among the 20 biggest talents in world football, so we have every reason to have high expectations of her.

“With Aemu’s qualities, we are adding a new and valuable weapon to our attacking play. Many teams choose to defend very deep against us in the league, and in those situations, her creativity, technique and ability to create something on her own could prove decisive when we need to find solutions and break down opposition defences,” says Sporting Director Jonas Nielsen.

Aemu began her career in Japan with Tokyo Verdy Beleza, where she made her debut in the country’s top division at just 17 years old. She later became the youngest goalscorer in the league’s history, also at the age of 17.

After her time with Tokyo Verdy Beleza, she moved to Waseda University, where she studied Sports Science alongside playing football. In 2022, renowned football outlet Goal.com ranked her as the 17th biggest talent in world football.

In January 2025, Aemu joined English side Manchester City. She made two league appearances before moving to FC Rosengård on loan in the summer of 2025 for the remainder of the year. She then returned to Manchester City, where she was part of the squad that won both the English league title and the FA Cup.

Aemu has also represented Japan at several youth international levels. With the U16 national team, she won the AFC Championship in 2019, while with the U20 national team she has appeared in two World Cup finals and one AFC final. Unfortunately, Aemu and Japan were beaten in all three finals.

“I was instinctively drawn to this club the most. I felt that their style of play was very similar to what I was looking for, and I felt that I would have the opportunity here to show my own qualities and my own style of play. I hope that, with time, I will feel that this was the right move, and I believe it will be. I also hope to show here how much I have developed during my year and a half at Manchester City – and I’m looking forward to competing for the league title and, of course, playing in the Champions League,” says Aemu about her move to the club.

Aemu will wear number 6 for HB Køge Women.

Welcome to the club, Aemu!