Birmingham City Women have completed the signing of a former Liverpool goalkeeper on a free transfer this summer
Birmingham City Women have completed the signing of former Liverpool goalkeeper Katie Startup following the expiration of her contract at Manchester City, strengthening their squad ahead of their return to the Women’s Super League.
The club confirmed the deal on Wednesday, making Startup one of their latest additions as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.
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Startup arrives with experience across the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, having spent the last two seasons at Manchester City.
She initially joined City on an emergency loan from Brighton & Hove Albion during the closing stages of the 2023-24 season before completing a permanent transfer in September 2024 on a two-year contract.
Although first-team opportunities were limited at Manchester City, Startup remained part of a highly competitive goalkeeping group. During the 2025-26 season, she also spent time on an emergency loan at Everton after Courtney Brosnan suffered an injury, returning to City later that year.
The move also sees Startup reunite with a club where she previously spent part of her career. Before joining Brighton and later Manchester City, the 27-year-old had a spell with Liverpool, adding another chapter to a career that has included experience at Charlton Athletic, Brighton, Everton and Manchester City.
Startup previously spent time with Liverpool Women during the 2021-22 season, joining the Reds on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2021.
At the time, Liverpool were competing in the FA Women’s Championship and were preparing for their first campaign under returning manager Matt Beard.
The goalkeeper arrived with experience in the Championship after previous spells with Charlton Athletic. Liverpool brought her in to provide competition and depth alongside Rachael Laws and Rylee Foster, with goalkeeping coach Joe Potts highlighting the importance of having strong competition in the position.
Startup’s spell at Liverpool was shorter than initially planned. She returned to Brighton in December 2021, bringing her loan period on Merseyside to an early end.
Although her time with the Reds was brief, the move formed part of her development during the early stages of her senior career. She later gained further experience in the Women’s Super League with Brighton, Manchester City and Everton before completing her move to Birmingham City.
Birmingham City
Katie Startup