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.
More on these topics
Vidosic leaves Brighton days before WSL season starts
Brighton manager Dario Vidosic has left the club just a week before the new Women's Super League season to pursue a new opportunity. The Australian led Brighton to a fifth-place finish and an FA Cup final in his two seasons, with reports linking him to NWSL side Angel City.
Tottenham's Kirsty Hanson Signing Could Prove Summer's Smartest Deal
Kirsty Hanson's move from Aston Villa to Tottenham may have gone under the radar, but the Scotland forward was the WSL's third-highest scorer last season. With 12 goals in 22 matches, she could be the key to Spurs' top-three ambitions.
Gay World Cup Winner Faces Backlash After Saudi Move
Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has faced criticism after joining Saudi Women's Premier League club Al Qadsiah, following her departure from Gotham FC citing personal reasons. Fans and LGBTQ+ advocates have expressed concerns over her safety in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
Euro Leagues: Alvarez to Arsenal? Plus Muslić on Schalke's Return
In the latest Euro Leagues podcast, experts discuss Julian Alvarez's potential move to Arsenal, Jamal Musiala's health concerns, and Schalke's Bundesliga return with coach Miron Muslić. The panel also assesses Bayern's squad and domestic challengers.
