Birmingham City Women complete signing of former Liverpool goalkeeper Katie Startup
Birmingham City Women have officially signed former Liverpool Women goalkeeper Katie Startup on a free transfer following her departure from Manchester City. The 27-year-old joins as Birmingham prepare for their return to the Women’s Super League in the 2026-27 season.
What happened?
Startup’s contract at Manchester City expired this summer, prompting her move to Birmingham. She spent the last two seasons at City, initially joining on an emergency loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2024 before making the switch permanent. Despite limited first-team opportunities, Startup gained valuable experience across the WSL and Women’s Championship, including a loan spell at Everton during the 2025-26 campaign.
Why it matters for Liverpool Women
Startup’s career includes a brief but notable stint with Liverpool Women during the 2021-22 season. She joined the Reds on loan from Brighton in August 2021, providing competition for Rachael Laws and Rylee Foster. Though her time at Anfield was cut short when she returned to Brighton in December 2021, her experience in Liverpool’s goalkeeping setup remains part of her development.
What comes next?
Birmingham City, who finished 11th in the 2025 WSL table with 17 points (4W-5D-13L), will look to Startup’s experience to bolster their squad. The goalkeeper’s familiarity with the league and her past connections to Liverpool could prove valuable as Birmingham aim to improve on their recent form (LLLWD).
