After much speculation of a deal being done, Keira Walsh has joined FC Barcelona for a world-record fee. The Euro 2022 winner is the replacement for the injured Alexia Putellas that Barcelona wanted to sign. Walsh will join the reigning La Liga Feminina champions a day before the transfer window shuts in England for the Women’s Super League.
Euro 2022 Winner Joins Stacked FC Barcelona Midfield
Benvinguda al FC Barcelona pic.twitter.com/fOKnVEJsbP
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) September 7, 2022
Barcelona Sign A Gem
Keira Walsh was one of the best players at the Euros for the champion Lionesses. Her ability to read the game in the lone six role defensively, as well as her many contributions to the offensive side, make her a perfect fit into this Barcelona midfield.
Walsh can single-handedly occupy the defensive midfield spot while allowing the likes of Aitana Bonmatí to join attacks without fear of being exposed. The former Manchester City star also frees up Patri Guijarro to push higher in midfield. Walsh can also be used as a double pivot midfielder next to Guijarro or Ingrid Engen, should Barcelona need a more cautious approach to the game.
🚨 Keira Walsh will be a Barça player.
FC Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement for the transfer of the English midfielder.
—Via @MariaTikas pic.twitter.com/KbrGJyrANo
— Barça Femení (@BarcaFem) September 6, 2022
Walsh Joins Lucy Bronze
This is not the first time Barcelona have come for a Manchester City player this summer. Lucy Bronze also joined the Blaugrana just before the Euros started. Bronze and Walsh were teammates at Manchester City for a couple of seasons, including the most recent campaign.
Read More: Chelsea Women Preparing ‘World Record’ Bid for French International Star
The pathway between Barcelona and Manchester City is well established. The Citizens signed Leila Ouhabi from Barcelona at the expiry of her contract to bolster their defence.
Manchester City Summer of Loss
Manchester City have now lost their starting midfield in its entirety from last season. Caroline Weir joined Real Madrid this summer while Georgia Stanway joined Bayern Munich.
With Walsh now gone, the blue side of Manchester has a new look midfield that it will have to line up for the upcoming season. New signing Laia Aleixandri and fellow Spain international Vicky Losada will need to step up into the holes left by the outgoing players.
