September 14, (THEWILL) – Arsenal Football Club made a world-record bid for England midfielder, Keira Walsh, in the late stages of the Women’s Super League transfer window. However, Barcelona, the current European champions, turned down the offer for the 27-year-old player who still has a year left on her contract.
Spanish media outlets reported that Arsenal’s bid was valued at £930,000. The WSL transfer window closed at midnight on Friday, while Barcelona would have had until Monday to find a replacement, as that is when the transfer window for Spain’s Liga F closes.
Walsh, who joined Barcelona in 2022 for a then-record fee of £400,000 from Manchester City, has informed the club that she does not plan to renew her contract next summer. This means she is likely to leave on a free transfer unless Barcelona can change her mind. Since joining the Spanish club, Walsh has won consecutive league and European titles.
Barcelona’s coach, Pere Romeu, stated on Thursday that Walsh is a key player for the team and they are counting on her for the current season. He praised her professionalism, attitude, and understanding of the team’s playing style. Walsh demonstrated her value by starting in Barcelona’s opening home game of the season on Friday, providing an assist in a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad.
The current world record transfer fee in women’s football is held by Zambian player Racheal Kundananji, who moved to Bay FC from Madrid CFF for £685,000 in February 2024.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
