Manchester City reject ‘substantial’ Barcelona offer for Keira Walsh

Manchester City have rejected a pair of offers from Barcelona for Keira Walsh, the second of which has been described as ‘substantial’.

The midfielder started every game at Euro 2022 and was one of England’s star performers as the Lionesses lifted their maiden piece of silverware, turning in a player of the match performance against Germany in the final.

Walsh has been a mainstay in the City first team since making her debut as a 17-year-old, but her contract at the Academy Stadium expires at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

According to The Telegraph, Barcelona have made two offers for the 25-year-old, both of which have been rejected, with City adamant that Walsh is not for sale.

The second of Barcelona’s bids has been described as ‘substantial’, and the Spanish champions are considering whether or not to make a third offer.

Speaking during pre-season, Barcelona manager Jonatan Giráldez admitted that ‘players can still come and go’ from his squad, with the Catalan club short of reinforcements after being hit by injuries and departures.

Alexia Putellas is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing her ACL on the eve of Euro 2022, while Lieke Martens departed to sign for European rivals PSG. Leila Ouahabi and Jenni Hermoso have also left Barcelona this summer, while Aitana Bonmati is currently out with a muscular injury in her right leg.

Geyse, Nuria Rábano, Salma Paralluelo and Walsh’s former Manchester City teammate Lucy Bronze have all joined the club during the summer transfer window.

SPORT report that, due to the seriousness of Putellas’ injury, Barcelona are in the market for midfield reinforcements, with Walsh the club’s ‘number one target’.

According to the Spanish news outlet, the club believe the recruitment Walsh will be made easier by City’s recent Champions League elimination. Gareth Taylor’s side were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid during qualifying, missing out on a place in the group stages for a second successive season.

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