Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup after her contract with Manchester City expired.
The 27-year-old was part of the City squad that ended a 10-year wait for a Women’s Super League title and also won the Women’s FA Cup in 2025-26.
Startup did not make a first-team appearance following her 2024 move from Brighton, but she became popular with supporters for her professionalism and the support she provided the goalkeeping unit in training.
She joins newly promoted Birmingham on a deal understood to be for two years, as the club looks to secure its WSL status next season.
“It’s really exciting to come up from the Championship after such a strong season and be part of a new chapter for the club,” said Startup. “I’ve worked with [manager] Amy Merricks and [director] Hope Powell before—four years at Brighton—and we share the same values. Getting the chance to work with them again was a major factor in my decision.”
A graduate of Chelsea’s academy, Startup moved to Charlton Athletic in 2017 and stepped up to the top flight with Brighton in 2020.
She later had loan spells with Charlton, Liverpool and Manchester City before joining City permanently in 2024. She began last season on loan at Everton and was recalled by City in November for their title push.
“Having worked with Katie previously, I know exactly what she’ll bring to this club,” said Birmingham head coach Merricks. “She’s a consummate professional, a fantastic team-mate, and constantly striving to get better. She raises standards every day and brings experience from a range of WSL environments, which will be invaluable for this group.”