Manchester City Women have sold Brazilian forward Kerolin to Barcelona for a British-record fee of £1.25 million. The deal, completed on Thursday 27 August 2026, represents the largest sum ever received by a Women's Super League club, according to a report from Sky Sports.
Kerolin leaves the club as a reigning champion, having been part of the side that secured Manchester City's first WSL title since 2016 last season. That 2025/26 triumph was built on a formidable league campaign where the team finished first with 55 points from 22 games, scoring 62 goals and ending four points clear of Arsenal. Fans can review that final table on our standings page.
What does the record fee mean for the WSL?
The £1.25 million transfer shatters the previous WSL sale record, which was set just last summer when Liverpool received £1 million for Olivia Smith's move to Arsenal. For Barcelona, this deal is a landmark moment. The Spanish giants had never previously paid a fee over £500,000 for a player, with their previous record being the €470,000 paid to Manchester City for Keira Walsh in 2022. This move signals a new financial scale in the women's game, with top European clubs now investing heavily to secure elite talent.
Kerolin's sale comes after a highly productive 18-month spell in Manchester. She joined the club in January 2025 and had two years remaining on her contract. In the title-winning 2025/26 season, she scored nine goals in just 15 league appearances, contributing directly to the team's success. Her departure creates a significant void in the attacking line-up ahead of the new season.
How did Kerolin perform for Manchester City?
Kerolin's impact at Manchester City was immediate and potent. Her nine-goal haul in 15 games was a key part of an attack that netted 62 times last term, boasting a goal difference of +43. The Brazilian's blend of pace and finishing made her a constant threat. She arrived with experience from the American NWSL and adapted quickly to the demands of the English game. Her journey from playing barefoot on the streets of Sao Paulo to becoming a record-breaking transfer exemplifies her rise to the top of the sport.
"Always the most highly-ranked players are playing here or in Spain," Kerolin said. "To be in the vision of the world."
What is the context of Barcelona's summer spending?
Barcelona's record purchase is part of a transformative summer for the four-time European champions. Interestingly, the Catalan club has seen several of its own key stars, including Alexia Putellas and Mapi Leon, move to WSL side London City Lionesses this window. The acquisition of the 26-year-old Kerolin is a direct response to those high-profile exits, aiming to maintain their competitive edge at the very top of European football.
For Manchester City, the funds from this sale provide substantial resources as they prepare to defend their WSL crown. The club now faces the task of replacing a top scorer, and supporters will be watching the squad page closely for updates on potential new signings. With the new season approaching, manager Gareth Taylor has a major decision to make regarding his attacking options, using the financial boost from this historic deal to build a team capable of another title challenge.
