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Barcelona are intensifying their efforts to finalise the signing of Brazilian international forward Kerolin from Manchester City, a move that would break the club’s existing transfer record. The reigning European champions have already seen two bids turned down by City, but both clubs are now in advanced talks to reach an agreement. Reports suggest that the 26-year-old is open to the move, while City have shown no resistance to her potential departure.

According to journalist Victoria Leite, later confirmed by multiple outlets, Barcelona are preparing a third offer for Kerolin after their first two attempts were rejected. The second of those proposals would have already made the Brazilian striker the most expensive signing in the history of Barcelona’s women’s team, surpassing the £400,000 ($470,000) fee paid for England’s Keira Walsh in the summer of 2022.

At that time, Walsh’s transfer set a world record in women’s football, eclipsing the £250,000 ($334,000) Chelsea paid for Pernille Harder in 2020. However, with the rapid growth of the women’s game, Walsh’s fee now falls outside the top 25 all-time transfers. The midfielder herself even moved again last year for a higher fee when she joined Chelsea.

The final cost Barcelona may need to meet for Kerolin remains uncertain, as does where the deal would rank among the biggest in women’s football. Reports indicate that Kerolin’s contract with City, valid until 2028, includes a release clause exceeding €1 million (£857,000/$1.14 million) — a figure Barcelona are unable to match. Nonetheless, sources confirm that both clubs are “working to find common ground and finalise the transfer.”

Kerolin joined Manchester City only last year during the January 2025 transfer window after spending three seasons in the United States with North Carolina Courage. She impressed in her initial months, scoring four goals before the season concluded, and then truly flourished in her first full Women’s Super League campaign.

During the 2025-26 season, Kerolin netted nine goals and contributed five assists in the WSL, helping Manchester City secure their first league title in a decade. Her standout moment came with a hat-trick in City’s 5-1 demolition of reigning champions Chelsea in February. Her total of 14 direct goal involvements was surpassed by only three players in the division — teammates Khadija Shaw and Vivianne Miedema, and Arsenal’s Alessia Russo.

Those numbers are even more impressive considering Kerolin started just nine league matches. She suffered an early-season injury that sidelined her for nearly three months, and upon returning, faced intense competition for spots in a side performing at a high level. However, her impact as a substitute soon earned her a regular starting role, and she delivered seven goals and two assists in her final seven starts to power City’s title run.

Barcelona’s interest in Kerolin is understandable. The Brazilian forward brings flair, creativity, and a unique ability to change the course of a game — attributes the Catalan club urgently need following the departure of several key players, particularly in attack.

Salma Paralluelo’s exit was confirmed earlier this week after contract renewal talks failed. The Spanish international, who scored twice in the Champions League final in May, has attracted interest from Arsenal, Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, and London City Lionesses, having already turned down an offer from Chelsea.

Perhaps most significantly, Barcelona bid farewell to Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner who ended her 14-year spell at the club at the close of last season. Putellas was named Champions League Player of the Season after leading the team to their fourth European crown. Her departure leaves a huge void that Barcelona must fill with world-class attacking talent to complement stars like Ewa Pajor and Caroline Graham Hansen.

From Manchester City’s perspective, allowing Kerolin to leave could make strategic sense. Their attacking options remain strong, with Shaw and Miedema leading the line, supported by Lauren Hemp, Aoba Fujino, and Mary Fowler. The Australian forward, who missed nearly the entire season with an ACL injury last April, will effectively be like a new signing when she returns for the 2026-27 campaign. In addition, the arrival of Beth Mead further strengthens their offensive unit.

Moreover, the financial boost from Kerolin’s sale would allow City to reinvest in the squad and build depth ahead of their return to the Champions League. Still, replacing a player of her calibre will be no easy task, and the club’s recruitment team will need to make smart moves if the Brazilian does indeed bid farewell to Manchester.