Birmingham City’s gamble lands 27‑year‑old keeper Katie Startup

27‑year‑old goalkeeper Katie Startup joins Birmingham City on a free transfer, bringing top‑flight experience after leaving Manchester City at the close of last season. The move was announced this afternoon and marks her return to the English Women’s Super League.

The Blues’ confirm the signing as their fifth addition of the summer window, aiming to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign. The club highlighted the need for a seasoned goalkeeper to bolster their defensive options.

WSL Full-Time confirmed the move after receiving an official press release from the Blues this afternoon. The announcement verified the free‑transfer status of the deal.

Startup spent a little over two years with Manchester City’s women’s side, the Cityzens, before departing at the end of last season. Her tenure there included regular first‑team involvement.

During her spell she collected the Barclays Women’s Super League title and the Adobe Women’s FA Cup last season, underscoring her experience at the highest domestic level. Those honours demonstrate her ability to perform in pressure situations.

Earlier in her career she also turned out for Chelsea, Charlton Athletic, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool, reflecting a varied résumé across the Women’s Super League. The breadth of clubs illustrates her adaptability.

On the international stage Startup has represented England at various youth levels, adding national‑team exposure to her pedigree. This background provides her with a solid foundation for international competition.

“I’m really excited about the project. Coming up from the WSL2 off the back of an impressive season, being part of a new era for the club is really exciting,” Startup said. “I’ve worked with Amy Merricks and 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.”

Startup becomes the Blues’ fifth signing of the summer transfer window, bolstering the squad as they prepare for the upcoming season. The addition completes a series of strategic acquisitions aimed at improving the team’s competitiveness.