Chelsea’s teenage midfielder Akpan joins Birmingham City on loan | OneFootball

Birmingham City have completed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Ashanti Akpan on a season-long loan deal.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from the Blues this morning.

Akpan joined the Chelsea academy at the age of seven. She has successfully negotiated her way through the South West Londoners’ youth teams to go on and sign her first professional contract with the club last year.

The 18-year-old midfielder made her senior debut for The Blues in an Adobe Women’s FA Cup tie against Reading in the 2022/2023 season.

On the international stage, Akpan has represented England up to and including Under-19 level. The youngster is no stranger to Birmingham City boss Amy Merricks. Akpan worked under Merricks during her time as head coach of the England Under-19 side.

After joining Birmingham City, Akpan said “It feels great to be here. This is going to be a really good experience.”

Akpan becomes Birmingham City’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window. The Blues have also added Ava Baker, Rebecca McKenna and Tegan McGowan to their squad during the close season.

Birmingham City kick-off the new Barclays Women’s Championship campaign with a home fixture against Sunderland on Sunday 8 September 2024.