Birmingham City have completed the acquisitions of centre-back Millie Turner and central midfielder Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United.
The couple, who revealed their engagement last month, are reported to have moved for undisclosed six-figure sums as Birmingham gear up for their return to the Women’s Super League.
Birmingham secured the Championship title last term, ending a five-year spell outside the top division.
Turner, a two-cap England international, and Naalsund, who has earned 39 caps for Norway, are understood to have each agreed three-year deals.
Turner, 30, accumulated 189 outings over eight seasons with United and was a key member of the side that lifted the club’s first major silverware, the FA Cup, in 2024.
“This is exactly the environment I was looking for. It’s a compelling vision and I believe there’s no limit to what we can accomplish here,” she stated.
Turner progressed through United’s system, playing a vital role in their 2019 Championship promotion campaign, and only Ella Toone has recorded more senior appearances for the club.
“She arrives with a wealth of experience and elite-level quality, but equally significant is her exceptional personality and natural leadership,” commented Birmingham manager Amy Merricks.
“We are fully aware of the daily standards she will demand, which will have a tremendously beneficial influence on this squad.”
Naalsund registered eight goals in 74 appearances for United following her arrival in January 2023.
The 31-year-old previously captured consecutive league championships with Norwegian side Braan.
“From my very first conversations with the club, I immediately had a very positive instinct about the move,” said Naalsund.
“When you’re weighing up your options, it always comes down to that gut feeling, and that ultimately decides your destination.
“This was the opportunity that sparked the most enthusiasm in me and everyone connected with the setup was incredibly welcoming. It’s a genuinely promising project here, and I feel the road ahead looks very bright.”
Naalsund still had a year left on her contract after the club activated an extension clause in January tying her to terms until 2027, meaning Birmingham were required to negotiate a transfer sum.
United have experienced a relatively subdued window, though insiders indicate that funds generated from outgoing transfers will be channeled back into reinforcing the team ahead of the forthcoming campaign.
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