Matildas star Emily van Egmond has opted against a guest stint in the A-League Women and will set her sights on returning to the Women's Super League with Birmingham City.
The 153-cap Australian international has signed with the Women's Championship club after leaving American side San Diego Wave last month.
Promotion-chasing Birmingham currently occupy top spot in the English second tier.
Van Egmond has previously spent time in the Women's Super League with West Ham.
There was speculation the 31-year-old could return for a short spell in the ALW - van Egmond has frequently done so throughout her career - but the midfielder's two-and-a-half-year deal locks her into the Blues.
"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 in a statement.
"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."
