Birmingham City return to the Women's Super League after four years away, having won promotion as WSL2 champions on the final day of last season, and have strengthened their squad in a bid to consolidate their top-flight status. Guardian writers predict a 12th-place finish for Amy Merricks' side, who are seen as the best-equipped of the three promoted clubs both on and off the pitch, having recruited players with WSL and international experience alongside a talented young core.

Key additions include former Manchester United duo Millie Turner and Lisa Naalsund, the latter a 39-cap Norway international, plus goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley and Canada defender Marie Levasseur. Birmingham also signed 19-year-old France youth forward Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for around £100,000. The club's ownership, led by Knighthead Capital Management affiliate Shelby Companies Limited (97%) alongside minority investors including Karen Carney and Kim Clijsters, has backed the project with a renovated training base, though tough opening fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea await.