Birmingham City sign France youth forward Effa Effa for £100k

Birmingham City, winners of the WSL 2 title last season, have completed the signing of France youth international Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre. The 19-year-old forward arrives for a fee understood to be just over £100,000.

Effa Effa came through Le Havre's academy and made her senior debut at 15. In her breakthrough campaign, she helped the club earn promotion back to France's top division and signed a professional contract in December 2022. She had one year remaining on her contract with Le Havre.

The striker has represented France at every age level from under-16 to under-23. She helped France win the Women's Under-17 European Championship in 2023 and later reached the final of the Women's Under-19 European Championship two years on. Overall, she has scored 17 goals in 28 appearances for France's youth teams.

"I am very happy to be joining Birmingham City - such a historic club - and experience the Women's Super League," said Effa Effa. "From my very first conversations with the club, I was won over by the project. I sensed a genuine desire to build something strong, with great ambition. I can't wait to start this new adventure."

Manager Amy Merricks said the club had been tracking the player for some time. "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," Merricks added. "We're looking forward to helping her continue her development and seeing the impact she can make in a Blues shirt."