Sheffield United Women have made a deadline day move to bring England Under 20 international Ava Baker to the club on a season-long loan deal from Birmingham City.
The promising 20-year-old is United’s eighth and final addition of a busy transfer window, bringing more attacking quality and depth to the Blades frontline ahead of Sunday’s season-opener against Leicester City.
Baker began her career with the Foxes, progressing through the youth system and making her senior debut against Manchester City just three days after her sixteenth birthday, emphasising the promise she showed for a Barclays Women’s Super League 1 side.
The youngster retains the record as Leicester City’s youngest ever player, before the forward made the move down the road to Birmingham City in 2024, making 26 appearances across 18 months before she joined Ipswich Town on loan in January 2026.
Baker played a key role in the resurgence of the Tractor Girls last season and now comes to Bramall Lane full of excitement and enthusiasm for the season ahead.
“I’m delighted to finally get it through, especially with the first game here on Sunday. I’m glad that it’s all gone through and I’m excited to get started.
“Even just watching snippets of training, to get what a taste of what it’s going to be like, it looked good, and I’m excited to get on the pitch with the girls and get started on Sunday.”
Head coach Stephen Healy is also delighted to get one more signing over the line, especially one of Baker’s quality.
“Ava tops off what has been a really good window for us, and we’re naturally delighted to have had the opportunity to bring a talented young player to the club for the next 12 months.
“I’ve no doubt she is someone who will not only excite our fans at Bramall Lane, but also bring more quality to an attack we are already really pleased with, and she will definitely compliment the other options in our front line.”
