Osawa, 24, made 95 appearances for JEF United Ichihara Chiba in the Japanese WE League, scoring 22 goals and setting up a further seven. The striker also played 53 games in the Nadeshiko League – the Japanese top flight until 2021 – and Nadeshiko League Cup.
Experienced Japan youth international
Osawa has also showcased her goalscoring prowess on the international stage. She’s represented all of Japan’s youth teams since U15 level and collected multiple honours along the way, winning numerous tournaments as well as several runners-up medals.
Sascha Glass, general manager of women’s football at VfB: “We’ve been watching Haruka for some time and are delighted she has decided to join VfB. Haruka is very dangerous in front of goal and is a technically gifted attacking player who gets involved with the build-up play. VfB is Haruka’s first move abroad, so we’ll do all we can to ensure she settles quickly with us. She’s a real asset to VfB Women, both as a player and as a person.”
Haruka Osawa: “VfB are a club steeped in tradition. It’s an honour for me to wear the VfB jersey from the summer. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and am very grateful to the club for their trust and this opportunity. Even though a lot of things will be new to me, I’ll do my best to adapt quickly and contribute to the team’s success.”
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Pictures: ©JEFUNITED