Birmingham City have smashed their transfer record with the signing of France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for a fee of just over £100,000.
It is understood the Blues, who won the WSL 2 title last season, paid a significant amount to bring the 19-year-old striker to St Andrew's. Effa Effa, who has represented France at every age group from the U16s through to the U23s, helped Le Havre secure promotion back to the French top flight in her breakthrough season and signed a professional contract in December 2022.
Effa Effa made her debut for Le Havre's senior team at the age of 15 and has since scored 17 goals in 28 appearances for France's age groups. She helped France lift the Women's U17s European title in 2023 and reached the Women's U19s European final two years later.
The signing is a significant coup for Birmingham City, who are looking to build on their WSL 2 title win last season. Manager Amy Merricks said: "Chancelle is a player we've been tracking for some time and we're delighted to bring her to Birmingham City. She's an exciting young forward with huge potential, who has already gained valuable experience in the French top flight and has consistently performed for France at youth international level."
Earlier on Thursday, Birmingham City confirmed the appointments of Mark Beard as assistant head coach and Ben Chapman as goalkeeping coach. Beard had a playing career that included more than 300 appearances at a number of clubs including Millwall and Sheffield United.
The new coaching staff will be working closely with manager Amy Merricks, who is looking to help Effa Effa continue her development. Birmingham's director of women's football Hope Powell said: "We're really delighted to have Ben and Mark with us. They are two excellent additions and their knowledge and understanding of the women's game can only hold us in good stead for now and in the future."
The signings of Effa Effa, Beard, and Chapman are a significant boost to Birmingham City's squad ahead of the new season. The club will be looking to build on their WSL 2 title win last season and make a push for promotion to the top flight.
Source: BBC Sports