Birmingham City have signed French striker Chancelle Effa Effa from Le Havre for just over £100,000, the WSL club have confirmed. The 19-year-old joins the Blues, who won the WSL 2 title last season, with a year remaining on her contract at the French club.
Effa Effa came through Le Havre’s academy and made her senior debut at just 15 years old. She played a key role in helping the club secure promotion back to the French top flight during her breakthrough season and signed a professional contract in December 2022. The striker has represented France at every age group from the U16s through to the U23s, scoring 17 goals in 28 appearances, and helped France win the Women’s U17s European title in 2023 before reaching the Women’s U19s European final two years later.
The forward expressed her excitement at the move. “I am very happy to be joining Birmingham City — such a historic club — and experience the Women’s Super League,” she said. “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 welcomed the signing, highlighting how long the club had been monitoring the player. “Chancelle is a player we’ve been tracking for some time and we’re delighted to bring her to Birmingham City,” Merricks said. “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. We’re looking forward to helping her continue her development and seeing the impact she can make in a Blues shirt.”
Earlier on the same day, Birmingham City also confirmed two backroom appointments. Mark Beard joins as assistant head coach, bringing a playing career that included more than 300 appearances at clubs including Millwall and Sheffield United, while Ben Chapman has been appointed as goalkeeping coach.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
