Barcelona have signed Brazil forward Kerolin from Women’s Super League champions Manchester City on a contract running through to 2030, in a deal worth approximately £1.25m that makes her the English top-flight’s most expensive export.
The transfer brings a swift end to Kerolin’s 18-month tenure in England after arriving from the NWSL side North Carolina Courage in January 2025. During her time with Manchester City, the 26-year-old forward played an instrumental role in helping Andree Jeglertz’s side win their first Women’s Super League title in a decade, alongside securing the Women’s FA Cup during a dominant campaign.
Record-Breaking Fee and WSL Transfer History
The agreement shatters multiple financial benchmarks in women’s football. This figure represents the largest sum ever received for a sale by a Women’s Super League club, as well as a club record for Barcelona.
Kerolin’s departure eclipses previous high-profile English top-flight departures. Her price tag surpasses the £1 million Liverpool received from Arsenal for Olivia Smith in 2025, as well as Melvine Malard’s £850,000 switch from Manchester United to Chelsea. For Barcelona, the deal also marks a departure from historical transfer norms; the Catalan club was willing to smash their own transfer policy in pursuit of the Brazilian, having never previously paid a fee over £500k.
Squad Rebuilding at Barcelona and Manchester City
The arrival of the Brazilian international comes at a time of significant transition for the European champions. Barcelona enter the new campaign forced into the market after losing several high-profile figures, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain defender Mapi León to London City Lionesses, alongside forward Salma Paralluelo’s move to Champions League rivals Lyon.
Barcelona’s leadership views Kerolin as a direct solution to fill the void left by Paralluelo, bringing tactical flexibility across both flanks and through the middle under the direction of coach Pere Romeu.
“The Brazilian international arrives at one of the best moments of her career to strengthen a squad built to compete for every trophy. With her talent, creativity and ability to decide matches, Kerolin adds even more quality to a team whose ambition remains unchanged: to challenge for every title and, once again, strive to win it all.”
FC Barcelona, Club Statement via The Guardian
Meanwhile, Manchester City have already begun adjusting their squad for the challenges ahead, having strengthened their attacking options this summer with the acquisition of England forward Beth Mead on a free transfer from Arsenal.
Impact on the Pitch and International Stage
During her 15 WSL appearances last season, Kerolin netted nine goals and provided five assists, a tally highlighted by a memorable hat-trick against rivals Chelsea in February. Across her entire 26-league-game span with Manchester City, she registered 12 goals and established herself as a vital provider for teammate Khadija Shaw.
Beyond domestic play, Kerolin remains a cornerstone for the Brazil national team, tallying 15 goals in 62 appearances. Her high-profile move to Catalonia positions her prominently ahead of next year’s Women’s World Cup, which will take place in her native country.