Birmingham City return to the Women's Super League this season carrying genuine optimism after ending a four-year exile from English football's top division. The club sealed the WSL2 title on the final matchday of last season, earning promotion and closing the door on the disappointment of falling short by the narrowest of margins the year before.
Among the founding members of the WSL when it began in 2011, Birmingham enter the new campaign aiming not just to survive but to make life difficult for more established opposition. Pundits have pencilled the club in for a 12th-place finish, though a productive summer of recruitment has left many believing they could exceed expectations.
Last season's promotion push was far from smooth. Birmingham won more matches than any other side in WSL2 but also suffered six defeats, highlighting an inconsistency that could prove costly against WSL quality. A turning point came with the January arrival of forward Wilma Leidhammar, a club-record signing whose impact helped steady the side during a pressure-filled run-in.
The squad now blends emerging talent with seasoned WSL know-how. Forwards Crosthwaite and Leidhammar, along with defender Neve Herron, are all 23 and expected to keep developing. They will be supported by experienced additions such as goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley, formerly of Brighton, and centre-back Millie Turner.
The headline arrivals, however, are Turner and midfielder Lisa Naalsund, both recruited from Manchester United. The pair were part of United's FA Cup-winning squad in 2024 and featured in a Champions League quarter-final as recently as April. Naalsund, a 39-times capped Norway international who featured at last year's European Championship, is expected to be a driving force in Birmingham's midfield. Canada defender Marie Levasseur, signed from Montpellier, adds further international pedigree to the backline.
Birmingham have also invested in youth, bringing in 19-year-old France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for a fee reported at around €120,000. The forward made her senior debut at just 15 and has scored 17 goals in 28 appearances across France's Under-17 and Under-19 sides, having helped her country lift the 2023 Under-17 European Championship.
Statistically, Birmingham's promotion-winning campaign was notable for generating the most