The Japan international moves to the Joie Stadium from fellow Barclays Women’s Super League side West Ham United after a standout two-year spell.
A tenacious and energetic full-back, Shimizu’s added quality in possession and desire to get forward and join the attack make her an exciting addition to Gareth Taylor’s ambitious young side.
The 28-year-old becomes the fifth different player to wear the number 2 for City during our professional era, and the first since Kerstin Casparij during the 2022/23 campaign.
Lucy Bronze was the first owner of the shirt during her first spell at the Club between 2015 and 2017 before her move to Olympique Lyonnais.
Danish international Mie Jans was then our number 2 until 2019, when Aoife Mannion took over responsibilities.
The defender kept the number until the summer of 2021 when she signed for Manchester United, and it would remain vacant until Casparij joined the following season.
But with the Dutch international opting for number 18 ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, the shirt will now have a new owner heading into the new season.
