Barcelona have officially secured the services of Brazilian striker Kerolin, who departs Manchester City after a brief but impactful spell in England. The transaction is reported to be in the region of £1.25 million, setting a new benchmark for transfer fees received by a Women's Super League (WSL) club. This figure surpasses the previous record of £1 million that Olivia Smith commanded when she moved from Liverpool to Arsenal last summer.
Kerolin’s arrival at City was relatively recent – she signed for the English champions in January of the previous year and was still under contract for another two seasons. Despite the length of her deal, Barcelona identified her as a top priority in the summer window, especially after they suffered a talent drain that saw several cornerstone players depart for other WSL outfits. Notably, both Alexia Putellas and Mapi León left Barcelona for the London City Lionesses, creating a vacuum that the club was eager to fill. Until now, Barcelona’s most expensive signing was former Manchester City midfielder Keira Walsh, who arrived in 2022 for a fee of €470,000 (approximately £400,000).
Kerolin’s £1.25 million price tag more than triples that amount, marking a decisive shift in the Catalan side’s transfer philosophy, which had traditionally avoided spending beyond the half‑million‑pound mark. During the 2023‑24 season, Kerolin contributed nine goals in 15 league appearances for City, playing a crucial role in the club’s capture of the WSL title – their first league crown since 2016.
Her goal‑scoring rate, combined with her versatility in the attacking third, made her one of the most valuable assets on the market. Sky Sports analyst Laura Hunter summed up the situation succinctly: “It’s been brief.
Kerolin only joined the Women’s Super League from the NWSL 18 months ago. She now leaves as the English top‑flight’s most expensive export.” This observation underscores the rapid rise of the 26‑year‑old Brazilian, who has already become a landmark figure in the league’s transfer history.
Barcelona’s willingness to break their own spending ceiling reflects the club’s determination to rebuild around a core of elite talent. The decision to invest heavily in Kerolin signals a strategic pivot: the club is no longer content to rely solely on home‑grown players or low‑cost acquisitions. Instead, they are prepared to allocate significant resources to secure players who can immediately elevate the squad’s quality. Kerolin’s personal journey adds an extra layer of narrative to the move.
Growing up on the streets of São Paulo, she often played barefoot with boys, honing her technical skills in challenging conditions. She has spoken openly about the physical discomfort of kicking a ball with bare feet, yet persisted because of her love for the game.
This gritty background has shaped her resilient mindset and relentless work ethic, traits that have served her well at the highest levels of women's football. When she signed for Manchester City in January 2025, Kerolin explained her ambition: “Always the most highly‑ranked players are playing here or in Spain. To be in the vision of the world.” Her words hinted at a long‑term plan that included a potential return to the Iberian Peninsula, where she could compete for European honors with a club that has a storied history in continental competition.
Now, as she prepares to join Barcelona – a team that has won the UEFA Women’s Champions League four times – the move feels almost inevitable. The Brazilian forward will be stepping into a side that is rebuilding after losing key figures, and her experience in a title‑winning environment will be invaluable.
Moreover, her presence will add depth and dynamism to Barcelona’s attack, complementing existing talents and offering tactical flexibility for manager Jonatan Giráldez. The transfer also highlights a broader trend in women’s football: clubs are increasingly willing to invest substantial sums to acquire top talent, recognizing that financial commitment can translate into on‑field success and global brand growth. Barcelona’s record fee demonstrates that the financial landscape of the women’s game is evolving, with clubs across Europe competing for the best players and setting new precedents for player valuation. In summary, Kerolin’s move from Manchester City to Barcelona represents a historic moment for the WSL, a strategic reinforcement for the Catalan giants, and a personal milestone for a player whose career has been defined by perseverance and ambition.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly she adapts to her new surroundings and contributes to Barcelona’s quest for domestic and European glory. For further analysis, refer to Laura Hunter’s detailed breakdown of the transfer, and stay tuned for upcoming WSL highlights and news on the Sky Sports platform.