Newly-promoted Birmingham City has signed goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley as a free agent, marking her return to the club where she began her career. The 29-year-old joins after departing Brighton, where she made 42 appearances and was voted Player of the Season in her debut campaign.

Baggaley, who first joined Birmingham at age six and debuted for the senior team in 2014, expressed her excitement about returning. "Birmingham helped build the foundations for my career and hopefully now I can give a little bit back," she stated. She believes Birmingham's investment in the women's team makes it an exciting prospect.

After spells at Bristol City and Manchester United, Baggaley moved to Brighton in 2023. Despite her success, she faced competition for game time following the arrival of Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Manager Amy Merricks highlighted Baggaley's experience and leadership, noting she returns as a "far more experienced player" ready to add "real quality, leadership and competition" to the goalkeeping group.