In a surprising twist to the January transfer window, England international Katie Robinson is on the verge of a headline-grabbing move from Aston Villa to Bristol City in the Women's Super League 2.
A significant coup for ambitious Bristol City
The 23-year-old winger, who boasts five senior England caps and was part of the Lionesses' 2023 World Cup squad, has reportedly completed a medical ahead of the switch. This represents a major statement of intent from Bristol City, who have identified Robinson as a priority target following significant backing from their new majority owner, the investment group Mercury13.
Mercury13, which also owns Italian side Como Women, purchased Bristol City Women from the Bristol Sport group in September and pledged to begin a "new era." Their pursuit of Robinson is believed to involve a transfer fee that is substantial for a WSL2 club, underlining their serious ambitions for growth and promotion.
Robinson's career path leads back to her roots
The move marks a return to where Robinson's professional journey began. She started her career at Bristol City before establishing herself at Brighton, where she earned her England debut in 2022. After joining Aston Villa in 2024, she spent the first half of this season on loan at Everton, making 12 appearances before her loan was cut short and she returned to Villa on 2 January.
Robinson was the youngest member of Sarina Wiegman's England squad that reached the final of the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Her arrival would be the latest in a series of impressive signings for City, who also pulled off a coup in August by acquiring former Wales captain Sophie Ingle on a free transfer.
WSL2 promotion race heats up
Bristol City currently sit third in the WSL2 table, occupying the playoff spot and are just three points off an automatic promotion place at the season's halfway stage. This season, two teams will gain automatic promotion to the top-flight Women's Super League, with a third entering a playoff against the bottom side from the WSL.
The move signals an expected period of increased spending among several WSL2 clubs during this transfer window, as the battle for promotion intensifies. Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Ipswich Town announced on Tuesday that their long-serving manager Joe Sheehan has left his role, with the club rooted to the bottom and five points from safety.
Following the winter break, WSL2 action resumes this weekend. Bristol City travel to face Nottingham Forest, while Ipswich host league leaders Charlton Athletic.
