Kerolin missed Manchester City pre-season in July before Barcelona move confirmed

Kerolin failed to report for Manchester City's pre-season training in July before her transfer to Barcelona was agreed, with Barcelona announcing the signing on Tuesday and Manchester City not having published any reference to the move as of Thursday afternoon.

The Brazil forward, 26, was a member of the City side that claimed the WSL title last season — the club's first in a decade — and also contributed to their Women's FA Cup victory. Pre-season for the Women's Super League champions began in late July, but Kerolin did not join those preparations despite previously being regarded as on good terms with the squad, and her departure has been described as ending on a sour note.

The reported transfer is worth an initial €1.2m (£1m) and could increase with add-ons to approximately £1.25m, although this has not been officially confirmed; the fee is said to be the largest sum received by a WSL club and ranks among the largest in women's football.

Several staff and players at Manchester City were said to be disappointed and perceived Kerolin's absence as an attempt to force a move to Barcelona, and many colleagues were reportedly stunned that she did not say goodbye in person. Kerolin's representatives have been contacted for a response. The coverage noted that high-profile transfer standoffs have occurred in men's football but are comparatively rare in the women's game.

For Kerolin the transfer represents a move to the European champions; Barcelona beat OL Lyonnes in last season's Women's Champions League final. Manchester City were reported to have no objection in principle to the transfer but were taken aback by her absence from pre-season fitness testing.

Manchester City and Barcelona are scheduled to meet in a friendly at the Joie Stadium on 15 August as the reigning champions of England and Spain continue their pre-season programmes.