Birmingham City and Sunderland have both moved to strengthen their backlines, with the Women’s Super League side signing French centre-back Jade Rastocle and the Premier League club adding experienced Belgian Thomas Meunier.
Birmingham, who won the WSL 2 title last season to end a five-year absence from the top flight, have signed the 22-year-old Rastocle from Montpellier for an undisclosed fee. The defender joined the Premiere Ligue side in 2024 and made 42 appearances, scoring once. "I'm very happy to be here," Rastocle said. "I can see the ambitions of the club, the city and I know it's a historic club." Her arrival comes two days after Birmingham also brought in defender Millie Turner and midfielder Lisa Naalsund from Manchester United.
“Birmingham sign French defender Jade Rastocle; Sunderland add Belgian Thomas Meunier.”
Blues head coach Amy Merricks said: "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."
Rastocle, who has represented France at youth level and previously played for Reims, will link up with her new teammates as the club prepares for life back in the WSL.
Up the road, Sunderland have completed their first signing of the season, bringing in Belgium international Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal after his contract with Lille ended. The 34-year-old has made more than 550 senior club appearances, with spells at Club Brugge, Paris St-Germain (where he won three league titles), Borussia Dortmund and Trabzonspor. He also has 83 international caps and played for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career," Meunier said. "The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it's a challenge I've wanted to experience. Competing in Europe was also a big factor in my decision."
Sunderland will play in Europe for the first time in 53 years next season. Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said: "We are delighted to welcome Thomas. Throughout his career he has consistently performed at the highest level, representing some of Europe's biggest clubs. He brings a wealth of experience, leadership and professionalism."
Both clubs will hope their new signings make an immediate impact when the new campaign gets under way.