Manchester Metropolis have introduced the everlasting signing of goalkeeper Katie Startup from WSL rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 25-year-old initially joined Gareth Taylor’s aspect on an emergency mortgage from the south coast membership within the latter phases of the 2023/24 season. She has now joined the membership on a everlasting foundation, signing a two-year deal till 2026.
Startup will put on the quantity 40 shirt at Metropolis subsequent season, and can present competitors for the likes of Khiara Keating, Sandy MacIver and new arrival Ayaka Yamashita within the goalkeeping ranks.
“It feels nice, I am actually excited to be again,” Startup stated in an interview with the membership web site. “A bit longer this time, hopefully, and I am excited to see what’s subsequent actually.
“I actually loved my time [here last season]. I knew going into that mortgage it was a hard and fast six weeks, so I simply needed to profit from it and revel in it and I feel I did that. I used to be simply comfortable on the finish of it.”
The shot-stopper expressed her pleasure at reuniting with Keating on the membership, in addition to attending to know the remainder of the goalkeeper union.
“I feel we had been down on numbers just a little bit on the tail finish of final season,” Startup continued.
“I primarily labored with Khi [Keating] and I liked working along with her [she has] a lot vitality and potential as properly. I am nonetheless but to satisfy among the new recruits, however I am trying ahead to assembly everybody. It does appear a very tight knit group from the outset.”
Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: “Katie’s expertise was clear to see throughout her time with us final season. She has the fitting angle and mindset to develop herself and assist us compete for all honours.”
Startup started her senior profession at Charlton Athletic, earlier than signing for the Seagulls in 2020. She had a mortgage spell again at Charlton earlier than a later spell with Liverpool, and ultimately made her senior debut for Brighton towards West Ham within the 2021/22 marketing campaign.
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