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Goalkeeper Startup joins WSL newcomers Birmingham
Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup on a free transfer after her Manchester City contract expired. The 27-year-old joins the newly promoted Women’s Super League side on a reported two-year deal, adding top-flight experience as Birmingham seek to establish themselves in the division.
Startup was part of Manchester City’s 2025-26 WSL and FA Cup-winning squad, although she did not play competitively after arriving from Brighton in 2024. She has previously worked with Birmingham manager Amy Merricks and director Hope Powell at Brighton, and said their shared values were a major factor in her decision; Startup also spent part of last season on loan at Everton before City recalled her in November.
In short
- Birmingham sign experienced goalkeeper Katie Startup on a free transfer.
- She joins on a reported two-year deal after leaving Manchester City.
- Startup reunites with manager Amy Merricks and Hope Powell.
Explained simply
Birmingham City have been newly promoted to the Women's Super League, England's top tier for women's football. This is their first season competing at the highest level of the domestic game.
Katie Startup is a goalkeeper with recent experience at Manchester City, where she was part of the squad during their successful 2025-26 season when they won both the WSL title and the FA Cup. Though she did not play competitively during her time there, she brings top-flight experience to a newly promoted side.
Startup previously worked with Birmingham manager Amy Merricks and director Hope Powell at Brighton earlier in her career. She also spent part of last season on loan at Everton, where she had the opportunity to play more regularly in competitive matches.
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