Manchester City sign Brighton & Hove Albion keeper Startup on permanent deal

Manchester City have completed the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Katie Startup on a permanent deal.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Cityzens this morning.

The 25-year-old returns to Manchester City after enjoying a short emergency loan spell with the club at the end of last season where she provided reliable goalkeeping cover. The player has signed a two-year deal at The Joie Stadium while Manchester City have paid an undisclosed fee to Brighton & Hove Albion to secure her services.

Startup came through the Chelsea youth system before going on to spend three years with Charlton Athletic as a senior player. The keeper joined latest club Brighton & Hove Albion in summer 2020 and while playing opportunities have been at a premium, she has always played an excellent supporting role.

The player will now be hoping to make a positive contribution to the goalkeeping department at new club Manchester City.

After joining Manchester City, Startup said “It feels great, I’m really excited to be back. A bit longer this time, hopefully, and I’m excited to see what’s next really.

“I just knew that when the opportunity did arise, I really enjoyed my time here and I felt really welcome, valued and I settled into the team well.

“I just want to learn off everyone, it’s such a high standard of a group probably will be facing some difficult shots I suspect. You’re not light on star quality strikers so I’m excited to test myself with the group”

Startup becomes Manchester City’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window.