Birmingham City sign France youth striker Effa Effa

Birmingham City have completed the signing of France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for a fee understood to be just over £100,000. The 19-year-old striker joins the Blues, who won the WSL 2 title last season, as they prepare for life in the Women's Super League.

Rising star with international pedigree

Effa Effa progressed through Le Havre's academy and made her senior debut at the age of 15. In her breakthrough season, she helped the club secure promotion back to the French top flight and signed a professional contract in December 2022. She had one year remaining on her contract at Le Havre.

The striker has represented France at every age group from U16 through U23. She helped France lift the Women's U17s European title in 2023 and reached the Women's U19s European final two years later. In total, she has scored 17 goals in 28 appearances for France's youth teams.

Player and manager react

Speaking about her move, Effa Effa said: "I am very happy to be joining Birmingham City - such a historic club - and experience the Women's Super League. From my very first conversations with the club, I was won over by the project. I sensed a genuine desire to build something strong, with great ambition. I can't wait to start this new adventure."

Birmingham City manager Amy Merricks added: "Chancelle is a player we've been tracking for some time and we're delighted to bring her to Birmingham City. She's an exciting young forward with huge potential, who has already gained valuable experience in the French top flight and has consistently performed for France at youth international level. We're looking forward to helping her continue her development and seeing the impact she can make in a Blues shirt."

Coaching additions

Earlier on Thursday, Birmingham City confirmed the appointments of Mark Beard as assistant head coach and Ben Chapman as goalkeeping coach. Beard, who made more than 300 appearances as a player for clubs including Millwall and Sheffield United, retired in 2011 and has since coached at various levels with spells at Brighton and Hull City. His brother Matt led Liverpool to successive WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 but died last year aged 47.

Chapman previously worked at Manchester United, Stoke City and Wales, and was a professional cricketer before moving into coaching.

Birmingham's director of women's football Hope Powell said: "We're really delighted to have Ben and Mark with us. They are two excellent additions and their knowledge and understanding of the women's game can only hold us in good stead for now and in the future. Alongside Amy and Jay [Bradford-Ogle], we've now got a really strong coaching group in place. They all bring different strengths and experiences."