Birmingham sign Leidhammar for club record fee

Birmingham City manager Amy Merricks says their ambitions should be taken seriously after signing Sweden midfielder Wilma Leidhammar from IFK Norrkoping for an undisclosed club-record fee.

Swedish media report the fee to be £316,000 which would surpass the £308,000 Arsenal paid Hammarby for Australia midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross in 2023.

The Blues, who currently sit second in the WSL 2, are pushing for promotion back to the top tier and are competing in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend.

Leidhammar, 22, is an exciting addition from Sweden's Damallsvenskan, where she scored eight goals in 25 games last season.

"We've had a really, positive window and we're not done yet. We've added lots of players with really good experience and high potential to play at the pinnacle of women's football and that's where we want to be as a club," said manager Merricks.

"I've seen Wilma play for Sweden's youth teams multiple times. She brings, not only her ability on the pitch, but desire and professionalism.

"If anyone didn't take our ambitions seriously, I hope they really do after this window. It shows what we're pushing for."

Birmingham City take on third-tier side Hull City on Sunday (14:00 GMT) and Merricks says the Blues want to go all the way in the FA Cup.

She has urged her players to build on their positive start to the campaign which puts them in a strong position for the WSL 2 title race.

"We have a really good foundation and are in a good position. I don't have to do all the talking. The players set out their targets and know what they want to achieve.

"For me, it's about driving the actions and the performance behaviours that will get us success. I'm really happy with where we are but we want to push for more.

"We haven't been quiet about it. We want to win the league. That comes with a relentless desire every day to make sure our actions match that. Our job isn't done."