By Freya Hiscott for Impetus (27/01/25)
Above: Aemu Oyama in action as she makes Manchester City debut in latest WSL fixture. Photo: @mancitywomen on Instagram.
An insight into Manchester City’s newest signings, Kerolin Nicoli and Aemu Oyama, who both featured in City’s 4-2 WSL win against Aston Villa at the weekend.
A background into Aemu Oyama
Aemu Oyama was Manchester City’s second signing of the January transfer window. The 20-year-old midfielder signed from Waseda University until the summer of 2027. Oyama shines as a defensive midfielder with an abundance of strength, energy, and technical ability. In her words: “I have a wide vision, and I can create chances by passing in the way that the opposition team can’t even imagine.” By committing to the blues, Oyama will join one of her footballing idols, Yui Hasegawa.
Oyama on the world stage
Oyama is undoubtably one of Japan’s most promising and exciting young talents. Last summer Oyama featured in Japan’s U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign, scoring a goal in a 7-0 win against New Zealand during the Group Stages. She then helped her nation progress to the final where they were beaten by North Korea.
An insight into Kerolin Nicoli
Kerolin Nicoli is a 25-year-old forward who has recently signed for this Manchester City side, keeping her at the Joie Stadium until the summer of 2028, joining from NWSL club North Carolina Courage. The Brazilian international is nearing 50 appearances for her nation after making her debut at only 18-years-old against England in 2018. Kerolin spent three successful seasons at North Carolina Courage. In 2023, she secured 14 goals in 24 appearances. Earning her the recognition of the league’s Most Valuable Player and being named in the NWSL’s Best XI for the season.
International Career
Kerolin has 45 caps for Brazil, playing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, all be it Brazil failed to make it past the group stage. However, she recently represented her nation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning a silver medal. Contributing the to the 4-2 semi-final win over world champions Spain.
What will both of these new signings bring to Manchester City?
After the early set-back of an Aston Villa goal six minutes in, City bounced back to dominate the game and secure three points with a convincing 4-2 win.
With a brace from Vivianne Miedema and goals from both Mary Fowler and Jess Park. This fixture also saw the return of the league’s top goal scorer Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw after suffering from an injury early on in December.
City’s strong showing provided the perfect opportunity for the Blues newest signings to make their debuts, helping them gain some match day experience ahead of a tough run of fixtures starting with Arsenal on Sunday.
Whilst Aemu Oyama, aged just 20-years-old, is likely a signing for the future. City fans can expect Kerolin to make an immediate impact. Her ability to score with either foot playing as a centre forward or in a deeper lying position, makes her a versatile signing for this City side – with ambitions to be the best player in the world.
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