Birmingham City sign French defender Jade Rastocle from Montpellier

Birmingham City have completed the signing of French defender Jade Rastocle from Montpellier for an undisclosed fee, the club announced on Thursday.

The 22-year-old centre-back joined Montpellier in 2024 and made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring once. She previously played for Reims and has represented France at youth levels, including the Under-23s.

Strengthening for WSL return

Rastocle becomes Birmingham's third signing of the week, following the arrivals of defender Millie Turner and midfielder Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United on Wednesday. The club secured promotion to the Women's Super League by winning the WSL 2 title last season, ending a five-year absence from the top flight.

"I'm very happy to be here. I can see the ambitions of the club, the city and I know it's a historic club," Rastocle told the club website. "For me it's an unbelievable and very big opportunity to play here."

• Rastocle joins from Montpellier after one season with the club
• She recorded 42 appearances and one goal for Montpellier
• Birmingham have also signed Millie Turner and Lisa Naalsund this week
• The club won the WSL 2 title in 2023-24 to earn promotion
• Rastocle has represented France at U-23 level and previously played for Reims

Blues head coach Amy Merricks added: "Jade is a young defender with excellent experience for her age. She has shown her quality over several seasons in one of Europe's strongest leagues. We believe she'll fit our style of play really well, and we're looking forward to seeing her continue to develop with us."

Birmingham are set to begin their WSL campaign in September, aiming to establish themselves back in the top flight after their promotion.