Birmingham City Women Complete a Move for Katie Startup

Birmingham City Women have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup from Manchester City.

The Chelsea academy graduate began her senior career with Charlton Athletic, helping them secure promotion to the second tier before earning a move to Brighton in 2020.

During her four years with the Seagulls, she went on loan to Charlton, Liverpool, and Manchester City, before completing a permanent move to the latter in 2024.

Startup began the 2025/26 season on loan at Everton before being recalled by Manchester City in November, finishing the campaign as part of the domestic double-winners’ squad.

On the international stage, Startup represented England at U17 and U19 level.

Startup said: “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.

“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.”

Head Coach Amy Merricks said: “Having worked with Katie previously, I know exactly the qualities she’ll bring to this football club. She’s a dedicated professional, a brilliant teammate 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.”