In a significant move for both the player and the club, Manchester City has secured the services of 25-year-old Brazilian international Kerolin on a 3.5-year contract. Transitioning from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side North Carolina Courage, Kerolin brings with her a wealth of experience from her time in North America. Her arrival is not merely a player acquisition; it represents Manchester City’s intent to bolster their squad significantly amidst a challenging season facing injury setbacks amongst key players.
Expressing her enthusiasm for joining Manchester City, Kerolin elaborated on her motivations behind this transfer. She emphasized her aspiration to compete in the UEFA Champions League, showcasing her desire to take on challenges at a higher level. “The players in the Women’s Super League (WSL) are highly technical, and the compact nature of the team excites me,” she stated. This understanding of the competitive landscape highlights Kerolin’s ambition to improve her own skills and prepare for future international challenges, particularly with an eye toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup set to take place in Brazil in 2027.
Her positive outlook reflects her confidence and readiness to integrate into a new playing environment. Acknowledging potential differences from her previous experiences, she remains optimistic about adapting and thriving in her new setting—a testament to her professional mindset.
Despite the promising start to her career with North Carolina Courage, Kerolin faced a significant hurdle just before the 2023 playoffs when she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This setback could have been detrimental to her career progression; however, her resilience shone through as she returned to play after competing in the Paris Olympics, where she earned a bronze medal. This showcases not only her skill and talent but also her ability to overcome adversity—a quality that will surely resonate with her new teammates at Manchester City.
Kerolin is not the only new face at City; she joins defender Rebecca Knaak and young midfielder Aemu Oyama as part of a strategic drive to address the squad’s pressing needs, especially considering the current injury crisis affecting players like Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp, and Alex Greenwood. By securing players with proven ability and potential, Manchester City aims to maintain competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.
The addition of Kerolin may signal a fresh chapter for Manchester City in their quest for glory in the WSL and on the European stage. As she embarks on this new journey, both the club and Kerolin are poised to make a significant impact during this crucial period in women’s football. The ambitious spirit she brings could be the catalyst needed for Manchester City to navigate their current challenges and shift momentum in their favor.