Goalkeeper Startup joins WSL newcomers Birmingham

Goalkeeper Startup joins WSL newcomers BirminghamImage source, Birmingham City FCImage caption, Katie Startup ended last season at Manchester City with a domestic league and cup DoubleByEmma SandersBBC Sport women’s football news reporterPublished2 minutes agoBirmingham City have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup following her exit from Manchester City when her contract expired.The 27-year-old was part of the City squad that won their first Women's Super League title in a decade and the Women's FA Cup in 2025-26.Startup did not make an appearance for the club after joining from Brighton in 2024, but became a fan favourite due to her professionalism and support for the goalkeeping group in training. She joins newly promoted Birmingham City on what is believed to be a two-year deal, as they hope to cement their place in the WSL next season."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," said Startup."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."Having graduated from Chelsea's academy, Startup joined Charlton Athletic in 2017 before a move to Brighton in the top tier three years later.She had loan spells with Charlton Athletic, Liverpool and Manchester City, eventually joining the champions permanently in 2024.Startup also began last season on loan at Everton before being recalled by City in November for their title run-in."Having worked with Katie previously, I know exactly the qualities she'll bring to this football club," added Birmingham boss Merricks."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 numbe...