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Barcelona have shaken up the transfer market by finalising the signing of Brazil forward Kerolin Nicoli from Manchester City. The transfer marks a major moment for the women’s game, establishing a new valuation benchmark in England’s top division.

A landmark agreement for the Women’s Super League

Barcelona have now officially completed the arrival of Brazil international forward Kerolin from Manchester City in a transfer that breaks previous records.

As per reports, the Catalan club have agreed a fee understood to be around £1.25m, which makes the 26-year-old the highest fee ever received by a WSL club. That huge amount comfortably surpasses the previous record, set only last summer when Olivia Smith joined Arsenal from Liverpool in a £1m deal.

The transfer delivers a significant profit for Manchester City, who signed the attacker from the NWSL only 18 months ago for the Joie Stadium side. Although City are losing an important figure from their forward line, the scale of the fee creates a fresh standard for the league’s capacity to command major transfer income from outgoing players.

Barcelona’s bold summer recruitment drive

Kerolin’s signing comes during a period of major change at Barcelona, who have already seen a number of prominent exits this summer. The European champions were pushed into the market after losing two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and defensive mainstay Mapi Leon to London City Lionesses.

With Salma Paralluelo also leaving for Champions League rivals Lyon, the Blaugrana leadership made Kerolin their top target to refresh the attack. Reports add that the Brazilian has signed a contract until 2030, committing her long-term future to the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

Barca spend heavily on Kerolin

The move also points to a major change in Barcelona’s financial approach. Traditionally, the club have been careful with transfer spending in the women’s team and have rarely gone beyond the £500,000 level. Their previous record signing was England midfielder Keira Walsh, who arrived from Manchester City in 2022 for about £400,000.

By investing more than double that amount to sign Kerolin, Barcelona have underlined their determination to stay at the top of European football despite the increasing financial power of clubs in England and the United States.

Success and influence in Manchester

Kerolin’s spell at Manchester City was marked by efficiency and strong displays in big matches. Last season, she scored nine goals in only 15 league appearances, helping Andree Jeglertz’s team win their first league title since 2016.

Her impact was not limited to goals, as she also registered five assists and produced a brilliant hat-trick against Chelsea in February that proved crucial in the title race. She leaves the club having won both the WSL title and the Women’s FA Cup, securing her legacy in a very short space of time.