Transfer Centre

Barcelona complete world-record signing of Keira Walsh from Manchester City

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 07 September 2022

England midfielder Keira Walsh joins Barcelona from Manchester City for a world-record fee, believed to be in the region of £400,000.

Barcelona have completed the signing of England midfielder Keira Walsh for a world-record fee.

The 25-year-old has linked up with the current and seven-time Spanish champions for a reported £400,000, surpassing the £250,000 Chelsea forked out to sign Pernille Harder in 2020.

Walsh spent eight years on the books at Man City after leaving Blackburn Rovers' setup in 2014, but she had entered the final year of her contract with Gareth Taylor's side.

Following the high-profile exits of Georgia Stanway, Caroline Weir and Lucy Bronze, Walsh has become the latest player to depart Man City, and the midfielder now holds the tag of being the most expensive women's footballer of all time.

Barcelona have revealed that Walsh will sign a three-year contract in Catalonia until the summer of 2025, and she leaves Man City after winning one WSL title, three FA Cups and four League Cups.

Walsh scored nine goals in 211 appearances for Taylor's side in all competitions and played an integral role for England at Euro 2022, being named the Player of the Match in the final win over Germany after setting up Ella Toone's opener.

The former Blackburn youngster will reunite with Bronze at Barcelona, who are currently without Ballon d'Or holder Alexia Putellas as the Spain midfielder recovers from an ACL injury.