Barcelona complete Kerolin signing in statement transfer

Barcelona have announced the signing of Brazil forward Kerolin from Manchester City in a club-record €1.5m (£1.25m) deal, marking the biggest sale in Women's Super League history. The 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The transfer surpasses Olivia Smith's £1m switch to Arsenal from Liverpool last summer as the most expensive sale in WSL history, underscoring City's remarkable return on their investment in Kerolin, who joined the club in January 2025.

Barca rebuild after summer exodus

The Blaugrana have endured a turbulent transfer window, losing a host of key figures. Club legends Alexia Putellas and Mapi Leen both departed for Women's Super League side London City Lionesses, while exciting winger Salma Paralluelo moved to Lyon — the very team Barcelona beat in last season's Women's Champions League final.

Kerolin's arrival represents a clear statement of intent from the Catalan heavyweights as they seek to defend their European crown and replenish their talismanic firepower.

A breakout WSL campaign

Kerolin enjoyed a superb first full season in England, making 26 WSL appearances for City and registering 12 goals and five assists. All five of her helpers came in 2025-26, alongside nine goals in 15 matches, as she helped guide City to their first top-flight league title since 2016 while also lifting the FA Cup.

The forward was one of just five players to score a hat-trick in the WSL last season, netting a treble against Chelsea in February. In doing so, Kerolin became the first player in WSL history to score a hat-trick against the reigning champions — a feat that further underlined her big-game pedigree.

Barcelona will hope Kerolin can deliver similar moments of magic as they look to defend their Champions League crown and reclaim domestic dominance.