Official: Former United Women’s academy player of year seals exciting loan move to Birmingham City

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Manchester United Women have sent another promising young player on loan this season.

To find out who else United currently have on loan through all levels of the club, click here.

Blackburn Rovers spell

Lucy Newell is an 18-year-old defender who won the Women’s Academy Players’ Player of the Year for 2023/24.

She has also represented England under-19s 18 times in her young career.

Newell signed her first professional deal at the club last October before moving to Blackburn Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season.

She played in 10 games, scoring one goal for the Rovers.

New adventure

According to the club’s official website, “Manchester United defender Lucy Newell has joined Women’s Super League 2 side Birmingham City on loan for the 2025/26 season.”

The youngster will have a familiar face at the club as Birmingham’s boss, Amy Merricks, used to be her England under-19 manager.

The Blues narrowly missed out on promotion to the Women’s Super League last season and boasted the best defensive record in the second division, only conceding 15 goals in 20 matches.

Really excited

Speaking on her loan move Newell stated, “I’m really excited to be here. It’s a massive club with huge ambition and I’m looking forward to bringing my skills to the team.”

The 18-year-old then commented on the challenge she will face by claiming, “WSL2 is a challenging league where the competition is really high. I think playing at Blackburn has taught me how competitive it can be, and I can’t wait to play for the Blues and fight for that promotion.”

Blues Women are delighted to announce the signing of defender Lucy Newell on a season-long loan from Manchester United. ✍️

— Birmingham City Women (@BCFCWomen) August 21, 2025

Newell could see her first action for her new side when Birmingham take on Liverpool on the 31st August in pre-season.

Featured image Joosep Martinson via Getty Images

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