Barcelona remain locked in negotiations with Manchester City over the signing of Kerolin Nicoli, with the Brazilian continuing to be the club’s preferred attacking target despite reports suggesting an agreement has already been reached.
According to Mundo Deportivo, discussions between the two clubs are still ongoing. Reports claiming Barcelona and Manchester City had agreed a €1.5 million deal are understood to be premature, with no agreement currently in place.
The update underlines just how difficult this transfer has become. Barcelona know exactly who they want to strengthen their attack following the departure of Salma Paralluelo, but convincing Manchester City to part with one of their most important forwards is proving to be a far greater challenge.
Barcelona Have Made Their Choice
Barcelona’s search for attacking reinforcements has never appeared to be about finding multiple options. Instead, Kerolin has emerged as the club’s clear priority.
The Brazilian’s ability to play anywhere across the front line is viewed as one of her biggest strengths, giving Barcelona tactical flexibility whether she starts through the middle, from either wing or in a slightly deeper attacking role.
That versatility has become increasingly valuable following Paralluelo’s departure, with Barcelona looking for a forward capable of filling different roles rather than replacing one player directly. The club’s interest has now developed into detailed negotiations, showing their determination to bring the Brazil international to Catalonia.
Why This Deal Is So Difficult
Manchester City hold the strongest position in the negotiations. Kerolin only arrived at the club in January 2025 and remains under contract until 2028, meaning City are under no immediate pressure to negotiate a sale.
According to the latest reports, her release clause sits at around €2 million, while Barcelona are continuing discussions rather than immediately meeting that figure. The Catalan club recognise how dramatically the transfer market has changed in recent years, but they are also determined not to overpay simply to complete the deal.
Finding a balance between ambition and financial discipline has become the central challenge of the negotiations. Should Barcelona eventually reach Manchester City’s valuation, the transfer would comfortably surpass the club’s previous record fees, with Kika Nazareth and Ewa Pajor remaining their most expensive signings at around €500,000 each.
Manchester City Can Afford to Wait
From City’s perspective, there is little urgency. Kerolin was recruited as a key part of the club’s long-term plans and has developed into one of the Women’s Super League‘s most dangerous attacking players.
Allowing her to leave after only a relatively short spell in Manchester would require a fee that reflects both her quality and the security of her contract. That is why Barcelona cannot rely on the player alone wanting the move.
Instead, they must convince Manchester City that selling now represents the right outcome for the club. Until that happens, negotiations are likely to continue.
Why Barcelona Have Stayed Patient
Despite the complexity of the deal, Barcelona have shown no sign of moving on to another target. That persistence reflects how highly the club rate Kerolin’s profile.
More importantly, Barcelona believe she possesses the qualities needed to help reshape an attack that has undergone significant change this summer.
Rather than rushing into an alternative signing, the club appear willing to continue negotiating in the hope that an agreement can eventually be reached.
Why It Matters
Kerolin is now the club’s priority attacking target, but Manchester City’s strong contractual position means every stage of the negotiations carries significant financial implications. If Barcelona decide to meet the asking price, they will not simply be signing one of the Women’s Super League’s standout forwards—they will be making the biggest investment in the club’s transfer history.
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