Barcelona has officially signed Kerolin Nicoli, a 26-year-old Brazilian forward, from Manchester City for a reported fee of £1.25 million, as reported by Sky Sports. This transfer marks the highest amount ever paid for a player in the Women’s Super League, making Kerolin the most expensive export from the English top-flight.

Kerolin’s transition to Barcelona comes just 18 months after she joined the WSL from the NWSL, having arrived at Manchester City in January 2025. During her time with City, she made 26 league appearances and scored 12 goals, contributing to the club's first WSL title in a decade during the 2025-26 season.

Her journey to stardom has been unique; growing up in São Paulo, she honed her skills playing barefoot with boys on the streets, developing a relentless and physical style of play. Previously attracting interest from Arsenal, her decision to join Manchester City set the stage for this anticipated move to Barcelona.

The record-breaking fee eclipses the previous record held by Olivia Smith, who moved from Liverpool to Arsenal last summer, and indicates a shift in Barcelona’s transfer strategy, having never spent more than £500,000 on a player before.

The timing of the transfer is crucial for Barcelona, who have seen the departures of Alexia Putellas, Ona Batlle, and Mapi León this summer. Kerolin’s profile fits the team’s needs perfectly, as she can score, create, and provide explosive pace from the flanks. Notably, during her time in England, only Khadija Shaw and Stina Blackstenius surpassed her goals-per-90 ratio, while no player matched her for completed take-ons.

For Manchester City, this deal not only brings a significant financial return but also clears the way for other wide forwards like Aoba Fujino, Mary Fowler, Iman Beney, or newly signed Beth Mead to step up and fill the void.