Manchester City have signed goalkeeper Katie Startup from Brighton & Hove Albion on a two-year contract until the summer of 2026.

The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season at City on an emergency loan from the Seagulls.

Startup began her career at Charlton Athletic in 2017 and joined Brighton three years later. She made her debut for the club during the 2021-22 season following short-term loans to Charlton and Liverpool.

On returning to City, Startup said she was “really excited” to be back, and for longer this time.

“I really enjoyed my time here and I felt really welcome, valued and I settled into the team well,” she said.

City head coach Gareth Taylor said Startup’s talent “was clear to see” during her six-week loan spell.

He added: “She has the right attitude and mindset to develop herself and help us compete for all honours.”

City, who finished runners-up to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League last season, begin the new campaign away to Arsenal on Sunday, 22 September (12:30 BST).