Matildas veteran Emily van Egmond signs with Birmingham City

A Matildas veteran’s new club has been revealed - and it wasn’t what fans expected. ERIN SMITH has the details.

Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond has signed with second tier English club Birmingham City.

The 31-year-old announced several weeks ago her time at top ranked NWSL side San Diego Wave was over and she would be embarking on a new journey.

Van Egmond, who got her start in the A-League’s Womens side Newcastle Jets, made 70 appearancecs for Wave and won the NWSL Shield and Challenge Cup during her three seasons with the club.

The move to a second tier English side has taken fans by surprise. Many had believed she would be rejoining ALW side Newcastle Jets - as van Egmond has done many times during her career.

But Van Egmond is confident it is the right move for her carer.

“I’m happy to be here. I can’t wait to get started. When Birmingham came to me, I loved the ambition,” van Egmond said.

“They are top of the table right now, looking to get promoted, and I just thought what an opportunity to come to a great club and be part of something exciting.”

Emily Van Egmond is headed for England. Picture: Getty Images

It is not 153-capped Matildas midfielders first stint in the UK – she has previously had a short stint with West Ham in the top tier WSL.

Van Egmond has also played for Danish side Fortuna Hjorring, Western New York Flash, Seattle Reign, Western Sydney Wanderers, Chicago Red Stars and several clubs in Germany during her lengthy career.

She married partner Kat Thompson in December.

Her first stint in the UK could be short with the Matildas due to travel to the USA for the SheBelieves Cup late February.

The team is expected to be announced on Tuesday, February 4.

Originally published as Matildas veteran Emily van Egmond signs with Birmingham City