Goalkeeper Startup joins WSL newcomers Birmingham
Short overview
Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup after her Manchester City exit. The 27-year-old, who won the WSL title and FA Cup with City in 2025-26, joins on a two-year deal. She previously worked with manager Amy Merricks and director Hope Powell at Brighton.
Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup following her departure from Manchester City when her contract expired. The 27-year-old joins the newly promoted Women's Super League side on what is believed to be a two-year deal, as the club aims to establish itself in the top flight next season.
Title-winning experience
Startup was part of the Manchester City squad that secured the club's first Women's Super League title in a decade, along with the Women's FA Cup, during the 2025-26 season. Although she did not make a first-team appearance for City after joining from Brighton in 2024, she became a fan favourite for her professionalism and support of the goalkeeping group in training.
Reunion with familiar faces
The move reunites Startup with Birmingham manager Amy Merricks and director of football Hope Powell, under whom she previously worked for four years at Brighton. "Coming up from the WSL 2 off the back of an impressive season and being part of a new era for the club is really exciting," Startup said. "I've worked with [manager] Amy Merricks and [director] Hope Powell before, for four years at Brighton, and I know they share the same values that I do. I'm really excited to work with them again and that was a really big deciding factor for me."
Career journey
Startup began her career at Chelsea's academy before joining Charlton Athletic in 2017. She moved to Brighton in the top tier three years later. Her career includes loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Liverpool, and Manchester City, before she joined the champions permanently in 2024. Last season, she started on loan at Everton before being recalled by City in November for their title run-in.
Manager's praise
Birmingham boss Merricks expressed confidence in the signing. "Having worked with Katie previously, I know exactly the qualities she'll bring to this football club," she said. "She's a dedicated professional, a brilliant team-mate and someone who is always looking to improve. She drives standards every day and brings experience from a number of environments across the WSL, which will be invaluable for this group."
Birmingham City have also recently signed Canada defender Jade Levasseur as they strengthen their squad ahead of the new WSL season.
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