Brazil forward Kerolin failed to report for pre-season training at Manchester City in July before her switch to Barcelona had been agreed. Barcelona announced the signing of the 26-year-old on Tuesday, but Manchester City did not first make any reference to the transfer until Thursday evening, when they eventually confirmed they had received a WSL record fee for a sale more than 48 hours later.
Why were Manchester City disappointed?
Several staff and players at Manchester City were disappointed by what were perceived to be efforts by Kerolin to force a transfer to Barcelona, and her time at the club ended on a surprisingly sour note. She did not join pre-season with the squad, which began in late July, despite previously having been felt to have been on good terms with the group.
City have no objections to the transfer in principle, but sources said the team were taken aback by the former North Carolina Courage star’s absence from pre-season fitness testing. Kerolin’s representatives have been contacted for a response.
What is the value of the deal?
The deal, worth an initial €1.2m (£1m), represents the largest transfer fee received by a WSL club. It could rise with add-ons to approximately £1.25m, although this has not been officially confirmed. It is one of the largest transfer fees in women’s football.
City said of Kerolin:
“She grabbed 14 goals and six assists during that time, helping City to a WSL and FA Cup double in her solitary full season in England. And upon her transfer to Barça, City have received a WSL-club record transfer fee of €1.2m.
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to thank Kerolin for all her efforts at the club and wish her the very best in her future career.”
Kerolin was part of the City side that lifted their first WSL title in a decade last season and also helped them win . But within weeks of those celebrations, many of her City colleagues were stunned after she did not say goodbye in person. Kerolin’s representatives have been contacted for a response.
How common are transfer stand-offs in women’s football?
High-profile examples of such transfer standoffs have been seen in men’s football, but incidents in the women’s game have been comparatively rare. For Kerolin, it is a dream move to the European champions, who were in last season’s Women’s Champions League final.
City and Barcelona will meet in a friendly at the Joie Stadium on 15 August as the reigning champions of England and Spain step up their pre-season preparations.
Key Facts
- Kerolin, 26, did not report for Manchester City pre-season training in July.
- Barcelona announced her signing on Tuesday; City confirmed the sale on Thursday evening.
- The initial fee is €1.2m (£1m), a WSL-club record, and could rise to about £1.25m with add-ons.
- Kerolin scored 14 goals and made six assists in her only full season in England.
- Manchester City and Barcelona meet in a friendly at the Joie Stadium on 15 August.
