Why did Liverpool sign Mao Itamura?
The Reds are rebuilding under Gareth Taylor. Their latest signing might be one of the clearest examples yet of the direction they want to take.
Liverpool’s 2025-26 campaign was a difficult one. An 11th-place finish and just 21 league goals left the club far below expectations, while manager Gareth Taylor’s first season in charge was largely spent laying foundations for a new identity rather than reaping immediate rewards.
The former Manchester City manager arrived with a clear vision: Liverpool would become a more proactive side capable of controlling possession, patiently building attacks and spending more time dictating matches than reacting to them.
This summer’s recruitment reflects that ambition. Goalkeeper Khiara Keating is comfortable in possession and familiar with Taylor’s demands from their time together at City. Vivien Endemann adds another technically gifted option out wide, and now Mao Itamura arrives from Feyenoord as one of Europe’s most exciting teenage talents.
At just 19 years old, the Japanese attacking midfielder was named Eredivisie MVP after a breakout campaign in which she finished as Feyenoord’s top scorer and top assister. Liverpool have reportedly paid a club-record fee to secure her services.
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