Rochdale-born midfielder Keira Walsh joins Barcelona for record breaking fee

Keira Walsh (left)

Rochdale-born midfielder Keira Walsh has joined Barcelona from Manchester City in what is believed to be a world-record breaking deal.

Although officially undisclosed, the fee is reported to be much higher than the previous record for a female player set in 2020 when Pernille Harder joined Chelsea for over £250,000.

Walsh, 25, arrived at Manchester City – her family’s favourite club – in 2014 when she was 17, and went on to play 211 games in all competitions.

Walsh joins Barcelona on a three-season contract through to 25 June 2025.

In 2020/21, she was in the Man City team that Barça beat 4-2 on aggregate in the quarter finals.

This year Walsh saw amazing success at Euro 2022, which saw her jubilant team lift the European Women’s Championship Trophy. She was named Player of the Match in the final after setting up teammate Ella Toone with a brilliant pass.

She lifted eight trophies in as many years with City, whilst she also found the back of the net eight times.

At the time of her departure, Walsh was the club’s joint all-time appearance holder with fellow England star Steph Houghton.

A spokesperson for Manchester City said: “Everybody at Manchester City would like to thank Keira for her contributions during her time at the club and wish her all the best for the future.”