Nigerian international defender completes permanent move to Aston Villa
Aston Villa have completed the permanent signing of Nigerian international defender Rofiat Imuran from London City Lionesses.
The 22-year-old defender has joined Villa following an impressive spell with London City and will wear the No. 22 shirt at her new club.
The move represents another important step in Imuran’s developing career after establishing herself as a consistent performer at left-back.
From London City to Aston Villa
Imuran joined London City Lionesses in October 2024 and quickly became an important member of the squad.
Her performances at left-back played a significant role in London City’s successful 2024/25 Barclays Women’s Super League 2 campaign, when the club secured the league title.
Imuran’s consistency and defensive qualities made her a key figure during the promotion-winning season.
Experience in the Top Flight
London City’s historic promotion provided Imuran with the opportunity to test herself at the highest level of English women’s football.
During the club’s maiden top-flight campaign last season, the Nigerian international made 13 appearances across all competitions.
Overall, Imuran made 31 appearances for London City during her time with the club.
Her experience of playing both in the second tier and the WSL will now be valuable as she begins a new chapter with Aston Villa.
Nigeria International
Imuran also represents Nigeria at international level.
Her progression through English football has helped her develop valuable experience, while her international career has given her the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s leading players.
At just 22, she still has significant room to continue developing her game.
A New Challenge at Aston Villa
The move to Aston Villa gives Imuran another opportunity to establish herself in the Women’s Super League.
Her ability to play at left-back provides Villa with another defensive option, while her experience with London City means she already has valuable exposure to the demands of top-flight football.
The No. 22 shirt will now belong to the Nigerian international as she begins her next chapter in England.
Transfer Details
- Player: Rofiat Imuran
- Age: 22
- Nationality: Nigeria
- Position: Defender / Left-back
- Previous club: London City Lionesses
- New club: Aston Villa Women
- Transfer: Permanent
- Shirt number: 22
- London City appearances: 31
- Top-flight appearances last season: 13
- Honour: WSL 2 champion, 2025
- International: Nigeria
- Status: Official
What Imuran Brings to Aston Villa
Imuran arrives with a combination of youth and increasingly valuable experience.
She has already experienced the demands of English top-flight football and was an important contributor during London City’s promotion-winning campaign.
Her performances at left-back have been one of the defining aspects of her development, and Aston Villa will now provide her with a new environment in which to continue progressing.
At 22, the Nigerian international also has plenty of time to develop further and establish herself at the highest level.
Transfer Tribune Verdict
Imuran’s move to Aston Villa represents another positive step in the career of a young Nigerian international.
Her rapid development at London City, followed by experience in the WSL, has given her a strong foundation as she moves to Villa.
The fact that she was an important player during London City’s WSL 2 title-winning campaign and then gained top-flight experience makes this an interesting move for both the player and her new club.
The next stage will be seeing how Imuran develops with Aston Villa and how much of an impact she can make in the WSL.
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