Melbourne City have signed Japanese midfielder Momo Hayashi on a one-year deal after she departed Brisbane Roar following two seasons at the club.
Hayashi made 38 appearances for the Roar across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Ninja A-League seasons, scoring 10 goals and establishing herself as one of the competition’s most dangerous midfielders.
The Japanese midfielder quickly became a fan favourite in Brisbane, with her ability to strike from distance producing some of the Roar’s most memorable moments during her time at the club.
TRANSFER CENTRE: Ninja A-League 2026/27 Transfer Centre: Your club’s moves
After her departure from Brisbane was confirmed on Thursday morning Hayashi now joins the reigning Premiers and Champions, with City preparing to defend both domestic titles and compete in a third consecutive AFC Women’s Champions League campaign.
Melbourne City Director of Football Michael Petrillo said Hayashi would add a different dimension to the club’s midfield.
“Momo has made a real impact since arriving in the Ninja A-League and we’re delighted to welcome her to Melbourne City,” Petrillo said.
“She brings great energy and has consistently shown that she can score goals from midfield and impact the final third.
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“We believe her qualities will strongly complement our midfield and we’re looking forward to seeing what she can bring to the team this season.”
Hayashi said she was excited to begin the next chapter of her career in City blue.
“I’m very excited to join Melbourne City and be part of such a successful Club,” Hayashi said.
“I’m looking forward to playing with my new teammates and contributing with my energy and hard work.
TRANSFER CENTRE: Ninja A-League 2026/27 Transfer Centre: Your club’s moves
“This is a great opportunity for me to challenge myself in a new environment and compete for trophies, and I can’t wait to get started.”
The defending Premiers and Champions heading into the new campaign, Melbourne City are many people’s favourites to retain their crowns following an impressive off-season spending spree.
Hayashi becomes City’s seventh new signing and the Japanese midfielder joins a new-look star studded squad that also now features Cortnee Vine, Melina Ayres, Avaani Prakash, Taylor Ray, Aimee Medwin and Jessika Nash.
The club have had to contend with several outgoings this off-season though, with Matidlas star Holly McNamara one of 10 departures, with Bryleeh Henry, Leah Davidson and Taylor Otto among those to have left.
Melbourne City kick off their Ninja A-League Premiership/Championship defence away to Wellington Phoenix on Sunday, October 18 in what is a repeat of last season’s Grand Final
