West Brom reach agreement with Birmingham City for Riya Mannu deal
There has been another incoming announced at West Brom on the women’s side of things.
It was a pretty hectic deadline day for the men’s team, with Eric Ramsay’s side losing Samuel Iling Jr, who returned to Aston Villa.
However, he was quickly replaced as Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba came the other way from Villa Park. It marked West Brom’s fourth signing of the winter window.
At the board level, there was also an exit, as Andrew Nestor left West Brom amid backroom disagreements.
That has not seemed to slow things down across the whole structure of the club, though, as Albion Women have announced an exciting deal.
West Brom Women announce signing of Riya Mannu
It has been a middle-of-the-road season for the Albion Women, as they currently sit in seventh place in the FA Women’s National League North.
However, there was certainly joy as Albion Women got one over Wolves not too long ago.
After 12 games, the Baggies have just 15 points, leaving them to float around mid-table. Consistency has been hard to find, with four wins, three draws and five losses.
Manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still will be looking to end the season as strong as possible, and being finding momentum to pick up more wins over the campaign.
That push has now been aided by a new arrival coming into the club.
Birmingham City’s Riya Mannu has joined Albion Women on loan for the rest of the season and will be looking to make an immediate impact within the team.
That news was announced by the Baggies via the club’s official website on Tuesday.
What type of player is Riya Mannu?
Riya Mannu is a 19-year-old attacker with experience in the WSL 2, the second tier of women’s football in England.
She made her debut for Birmingham City in March 2024. She was also named Professional Game Academy Player of the Season.
Speaking about the type of player they have signed, Albion Women manager Hodgetts-Still has said: “I’ve been aware of Riya for quite some time, and she’s done well at Birmingham City.
“She’s now eager to gain valuable experience in the FAWNL Northern Premier. Riya is known for her creativity, her desire to be on the ball and the intensity she brings to her play.”
Meanwhile, the player herself describes her style of play as that of a “creative player who likes playing on the half-turn and picking up pockets of space.”
Those traits will be vital to a Baggies side which has struggled to score this season. In their 12 games in the National League North, they have managed just 15 goals.
Mannu may not have long to wait to make her debut for West Brom. The Albion Women’s next match comes against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday, 8 February, at 2pm.
It is the semi-final of the FAWNL Cup, giving the Midlands side a huge chance at securing silverware.
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