Super Falcons defender Rofiat Imuran has joined Aston Villa permanently, completing her transfer from London City Lionesses ahead of the new season.
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Nigeria international Rofiat Imuran from London City Lionesses on a permanent transfer.
London City Lionesses confirmed the defender’s departure on Sunday, August 30, bringing an end to her two-year spell at the club.
Imuran joined London City Lionesses in 2024 after impressing with Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
The 22-year-old defender quickly established herself as an important player and helped London City secure promotion to the Women’s Super League.
Her performances played a significant role in the club’s historic rise to England’s top flight for the first time in its history.
Imuran now begins a new chapter with Aston Villa, strengthening the club’s defensive options ahead of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League campaign.
The move also represents another important step in the Nigerian defender’s rapidly developing professional career.
Imuran previously represented Nigeria’s Falconets and featured during their 2022 Under-20 World Cup campaign in Costa Rica.
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals before losing 2-0 to the Netherlands, but Imuran’s performances attracted attention from clubs in Europe.
She subsequently continued her development in England, where she gained valuable experience competing against some of the country’s leading women’s footballers.
The defender also formed part of the Super Falcons squad that reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her international experience has strengthened her profile as one of Nigeria’s promising defensive talents.
The permanent transfer comes as Aston Villa continue preparing for another competitive season in the Women’s Super League.
Imuran will now look to establish herself at Villa and compete for regular playing opportunities under the club’s coaching setup.
Her arrival could provide additional defensive depth while giving the Nigerian international another platform to develop her game.
For London City Lionesses, Imuran’s departure follows a period of significant squad investment as the club continues building its WSL ambitions.
The London club recently attracted major attention after signing prominent players, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Imuran’s move therefore marks an important transfer for both clubs as they pursue different objectives in the growing women’s game.
For the Super Falcons, her switch to Aston Villa could further enhance Nigeria’s representation within England’s top women’s football division.
The defender will now aim to make her mark at Villa while continuing her development on both domestic and international stages.
Her permanent move adds another significant chapter to a career that has already taken her from Nigeria’s youth teams to the Super Falcons and English top-flight football.
