Tom Brady and Birmingham City smash club-record transfer with Man Utd swoop

15 September 2023 , 17:14

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Birmingham City and Tom Brady have swooped for a Manchester United star as they herald a new era (Image: PA)

Birmingham City Women have broken their club transfer record to lure Brazil international Ivana Ferreira Fuso to the second city.

The 22-year-old star has arrived at the club on a two-year contract from Manchester United, with the deal subject to the approval of the league. The talented youngster is the ninth signing of the summer for the ambitious club, as Darren Carter looks to usher in a new era in B9 with the backing of new investor Tom Brady.

The NFL legend has brought a general feel-good factor to the club after joining the board as a minority investor shortly after Knighthead Capital Management LLC became majority stakeholders earlier in the year. They are now backing not just the men's side but the women's team with Fuso the latest in a string of exciting signings.

Raised in Germany after leaving her birth country Brazil at an early age, the four-time international gained experience in the Frauen Bundesliga last year. During a season-long loan at Bayer Leverkusen, she got on the scoresheet once across 12 outings as they finished in 7th place.

She leaves the Red Devils having failed to breakthrough as an established regular over her three years in the North West. During her time with the WSL outfit, Ferreira Fuso made 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice in the League Cup in that time.

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Her path to England began as a youth team player at SV Boblingen, prior to her move to the academy at SC Freiburg. It was there that she made her first team breakthrough, before moving to FC Basel in Switzerland where she enjoyed a successful, if brief, stint during 2019-20.

Hope Powell has welcomed the signing as a signal of Birmingham City's ambition (Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA)

Having now departed United, her transfer represents another statement signing for Brum, with the deal the latest of nine acquisitions for the women's team this summer. Birmingham have also been able to lure the likes of Remi Allen, Jade Moore and Lily Agg in previous months.

In an interview with BluesTV, it as clear that Ferreira Fuso is relishing the opportunity to join the club, especially after hearing their plans. She said: "I'm really excited and I can’t wait to get started. I like the project with this Club.

"I think they have big aims and they want to achieve big things. I want to challenge myself and I believe in this project. I believe also in what this team can do. I needed a new challenge and a fresh start."

Birmingham women's technical director, Hope Powell added: "The signing of Ivana is a statement of intent for this Club. Birmingham City Women have a rich history, it is on the rise again and this is the calibre of player we want to attract to this Football Club."

Tom Beattie