Transfers
Also on the move is compatriot Momo Hayashi, who has joined Melbourne City after two seasons with Brisbane Roar, while Philippines international Katrina Guillou, Javi Hernandez and Tyrese Francois were also among those completing moves.
Ito heads to England
Ito, 28, has signed with Bolton after ending his two-season stay with Gent, where he made 79 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder, who joined Gent from Urawa Red Diamonds in 2024, will now test himself in England with Championship newcomers Bolton.
"It's going to be a big challenge. There are a lot of games and it's a league where physical, tough matches come one after another," said Ito. "But I believe I can show my strengths in that environment.
"I'm really looking forward to taking it on. It's a big challenge for the team as well and I want to do everything I can to contribute to that.
"I knew that players who are called legends in Japan and other great players, had played for this club. To be the next Japanese player to follow them - and the first for a long time - means something.
"I think if I do well here, people in Japan who don't know the club will get to know it, and the people who already do will pay even more attention. That's another reason I want to produce results."
Ito, 28, has signed with Bolton after ending his two-season stay with Gent, where he made 79 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder, who joined Gent from Urawa Red Diamonds in 2024, will now test himself in England with Championship newcomers Bolton.
"It's going to be a big challenge. There are a lot of games and it's a league where physical, tough matches come one after another," said Ito. "But I believe I can show my strengths in that environment.
"I'm really looking forward to taking it on. It's a big challenge for the team as well and I want to do everything I can to contribute to that.
"I knew that players who are called legends in Japan and other great players, had played for this club. To be the next Japanese player to follow them - and the first for a long time - means something.
"I think if I do well here, people in Japan who don't know the club will get to know it, and the people who already do will pay even more attention. That's another reason I want to produce results."
Hayashi joins Melbourne City
Melbourne City strengthened their squad for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ campaign with the signing of Japanese midfielder Hayashi on a one-year deal.
The 31-year-old arrives from Brisbane Roar, having scored 10 goals in 38 appearances across two seasons in the A-League Women.
City, the reigning Australian Premiers and Champions, will feature in the AFC Women’s Champions League for a third consecutive season.
“I’m very excited to join Melbourne City and be part of such a successful Club,” said Hayashi. ““I’m looking forward to playing with my new teammates and contributing with my energy and hard work.
“This is a great opportunity for me to challenge myself in a new environment and compete for trophies, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Melbourne City strengthened their squad for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ campaign with the signing of Japanese midfielder Hayashi on a one-year deal.
The 31-year-old arrives from Brisbane Roar, having scored 10 goals in 38 appearances across two seasons in the A-League Women.
City, the reigning Australian Premiers and Champions, will feature in the AFC Women’s Champions League for a third consecutive season.
“I’m very excited to join Melbourne City and be part of such a successful Club,” said Hayashi. ““I’m looking forward to playing with my new teammates and contributing with my energy and hard work.
“This is a great opportunity for me to challenge myself in a new environment and compete for trophies, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Guillou strengthens Brisbane
Brisbane moved quickly to bolster their squad with Philippines international Guillou, who joins from USL Super League side DC Power FC for the 2026/27 campaign.
The 31-year-old midfielder has made more than 40 international appearances and was part of the Philippines squad that made their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in 2023.
“I’m excited for this next chapter and opportunity to compete and push myself,” said Guillou. “I’m looking forward to the competition and everything that comes with it.”
Brisbane moved quickly to bolster their squad with Philippines international Guillou, who joins from USL Super League side DC Power FC for the 2026/27 campaign.
The 31-year-old midfielder has made more than 40 international appearances and was part of the Philippines squad that made their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in 2023.
“I’m excited for this next chapter and opportunity to compete and push myself,” said Guillou. “I’m looking forward to the competition and everything that comes with it.”
Hernandez makes Cerezo switch
Cerezo Osaka added Javi Hernandez to their defensive ranks after securing the 28-year-old on loan from Spanish side CD Leganes until June 30, 2027.
The former Real Madrid Castilla player arrives with experience in Spain, Greece and Qatar, having previously had loan spells with Girona, Cadiz, Panathinaikos and Al Arabi.
“I’m very happy to wear the pink Cerezo Osaka jersey,” said Hernandez. “It’s an honour to be part of a great club in a great city.”
Cerezo Osaka added Javi Hernandez to their defensive ranks after securing the 28-year-old on loan from Spanish side CD Leganes until June 30, 2027.
The former Real Madrid Castilla player arrives with experience in Spain, Greece and Qatar, having previously had loan spells with Girona, Cadiz, Panathinaikos and Al Arabi.
“I’m very happy to wear the pink Cerezo Osaka jersey,” said Hernandez. “It’s an honour to be part of a great club in a great city.”
Francois returns to Australia
Australian midfielder Tyrese Francois has returned home after Brisbane Roar secured the 26-year-old on a multi-year contract.
The former Fulham academy player joins from Wigan Athletic, having also featured for Croatia’s HNK Gorica and Denmark’s Vejle Boldklub during his career in Europe.
Francois has also represented Australia at U23 level.
Australian midfielder Tyrese Francois has returned home after Brisbane Roar secured the 26-year-old on a multi-year contract.
The former Fulham academy player joins from Wigan Athletic, having also featured for Croatia’s HNK Gorica and Denmark’s Vejle Boldklub during his career in Europe.
Francois has also represented Australia at U23 level.
Terengganu snap up Pavithran
Malaysia international Pavithran Gunalan completed a move to Terengganu FC, signing a one-season contract with the Malaysia Super League side.
The 21-year-old, previously with Johor Darul Ta’zim II, enhanced his growing reputation with his performances for Malaysia at the recent ASEAN Championship.
Pavithran scored against the Philippines and contributed two assists during the tournament as Malaysia advanced to the semi-finals.
Photo: AFP
Malaysia international Pavithran Gunalan completed a move to Terengganu FC, signing a one-season contract with the Malaysia Super League side.
The 21-year-old, previously with Johor Darul Ta’zim II, enhanced his growing reputation with his performances for Malaysia at the recent ASEAN Championship.
Pavithran scored against the Philippines and contributed two assists during the tournament as Malaysia advanced to the semi-finals.
Photo: AFP
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