England goalkeeper Baggaley joins Birmingham

Sophie Baggaley has been in regular Lionesses squads but is yet to be capped [Getty Images] Newly-promoted Birmingham City have signed England goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley from Brighton. The 29-year-old returns to the club she joined at the age of six and where she made her senior career debut in 2014. It is believed she has signed a two-year deal with an option for another year. After spells at Bristol City and Manchester United, Baggaley joined Brighton in 2023 and went on to make 42 appearances for the club. She has been a regular feature in Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses squad since 2025 but she is yet to receive a senior international cap. "When you start your career somewhere, you always have a soft spot for it," said Baggaley. "Birmingham helped build the foundations for my career and hopefully now I can give a little bit back. "The club has been through so many different stages over the last few years, but it's clear how much Birmingham has invested in the women's team and I'm really excited to be part of that." She was voted Brighton's player of the season in her debut campaign but has struggled for game time since the arrival of Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Brighton confirmed last month that Baggaley would depart the club at the end of her contract this summer. "Sophie knows what it means to represent Birmingham City and she's returning as a far more experienced player than when she was here," said manager Amy Merricks. "She has built up a lot of WSL experience over the last few years, and she will add real quality, leadership and competition to our goalkeeping group." [BBC] Find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page