The North Carolina Courage acquired Japanese teenager Manaka Matsukubo on loan Thursday from Vegalta Sendai.
Terms of the deal announced were not disclosed. The loan runs through June 2024 and the NWSL club has an option to make a permanent transfer.
Matsukubo, a midfielder who turns 19 on Friday, had four goals and one assist in 12 matches in her first pro season in Japan’s WE League.
“We are very excited to add another young talent to the team,” Courage coach Sean Nahas said. “Manaka is one of the young up and coming talents in world football. A player with a simple approach to the game and ability to unlock opposition through the thirds. A technically proficient talent who will help add depth to our roster and continue to help prepare us for the future.”
Matsukubo’s acquisition occurred within the summer transfer window and she will join the team upon receipt of a P-1 Visa.
–Field Level Media