Birmingham sign striker Effa Effa for £100K

What the report says

Birmingham City have signed France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre, in a deal BBC Sport says was worth just over £100,000. The 19-year-old striker joins after Birmingham won the WSL 2 title last season, strengthening a squad preparing for the Women’s Super League.

Effa Effa came through Le Havre’s academy and made her senior debut at 15. She later helped the club return to the French top flight and signed a professional contract in December 2022. The forward has represented France from under-16 to under-23 level and has scored 17 goals in 28 appearances for the country’s youth teams. BBC Sport reported that she had one year left on her Le Havre contract.

In comments carried by BBC Sport, Effa Effa said she was excited to join a “historic club” and to experience the WSL, adding that the project at Birmingham persuaded her to move. Manager Amy Merricks described her as a young forward with significant potential who has already gained experience in France’s top division and at international youth level.

The report also noted Birmingham announced two staff appointments on Thursday: Mark Beard as assistant head coach and Ben Chapman as goalkeeping coach. Together with the existing coaching team, the club said the additions strengthen its setup as it prepares for the coming season.