Birmingham pay six-figure fees to sign Turner and Naalsund from Man Utd
Newly promoted Birmingham City have secured the six-figure signings of Manchester United pair Millie Turner and Lisa Naalsund, signaling ambitious financial investment as they return to the Women's Super League.
Birmingham City have signed defender Millie Turner and midfielder Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United for six-figure fees. The pair have both signed three-year contracts as the club prepares for its return to the Women's Super League after a five-year absence. Birmingham earned promotion by winning the WSL 2 title last season.
The financial details underscore the growing commercial reality of the women's game. Because Manchester United triggered a contract extension clause for Naalsund in January, tying her to the club until 2027, Birmingham were forced to pay a transfer fee rather than acquire her on a free transfer. Paying six-figure sums for two players highlights the significant capital now required to compete at the top tier of European women's football.
For Manchester United, the sales represent a recalibration of their squad assets during a quiet transfer window. Sources indicate the funds generated from these departures will be reinvested into the team before the new season begins. This reflects a maturing European transfer market where player trading is becoming a standard mechanism for squad management and financial sustainability, rather than relying solely on free agency.
Turner, 30, made 189 appearances across eight years at United, trailing only Ella Toone in the club's all-time appearance records. The defender, who has two England caps, was part of the squad that won the FA Cup in 2024 after coming through the club's ranks to help earn promotion in 2019. Naalsund, 31, arrived at United in January 2023 and accumulated 74 appearances, bringing experience from winning back-to-back league titles with Norwegian side Braan.
Birmingham manager Amy Merricks emphasized the cultural and tactical value of the acquisitions. "She's someone who brings a lot of experience and quality at the highest level, but just as importantly, she's a brilliant character and a real leader," Merricks said of Turner. "We know the standards she will set every day that will have a really positive impact on this group."
The players, who announced their engagement last month, framed their move around the club's upward trajectory. "This is where I want to be. It's an exciting project and I think there's no ceiling to what we can achieve here," Turner said. Naalsund added that the club gave her "instantly a very good feeling", pointing to a shared belief in the project's long-term viability.
