Why Fridolina Rolfo joined Manchester United despite receiving ‘monster offer’ from European club | OneFootball

Manchester United won the battle to sign Fridolina Rolfo, who chose to join the Red Devils despite receiving a ‘monster offer’ after leaving Barcelona.

The Swedish international was a free agent after she mutually agreed to terminate her contract with Barcelona earlier this summer.

Rolfo represented her country at Euro 2025, earning her 100th cap, before they were knocked out by England on penalties in the quarter-finals.

The 31-year-old, who also previously played for Wolfsburg, will now play her football in England.

This is despite a European club putting in a huge offer for Rolfo, which would have made her the highest-paid player in that country.

Why Fridolina Rolfo decided to join Manchester United

Fridolina Rolfo said her ambitions of playing in the Women’s Super League (WSL) played a big part in her decision to join Manchester United.

The Swedish international would have had a host of interested clubs after she and Barcelona agreed to terminate her contract early.

However, it was the Red Devils who had the biggest pull and won the battle for Rolfo.

She told the club’s official website: “I have been fortunate to enjoy lots of success at Barcelona and other clubs I have played for, and now I want the same at Manchester United.

“The WSL is probably the strongest league in the world right now, so that was a big part of the appeal of coming here, as well as the chance to help the team establish itself in the Champions League.

“I can’t wait to work with Marc, his staff and my new team-mates and get started with this new adventure.”

Rolfo received ‘monster offer’ from Malmo

Fridolina Rolfo joins Manchester United after reports suggested she had received a ‘monster offer’ from Malmo.

It was claimed their offer would have made Rolfo the highest-paid player in Damallsvenskan history.

Rolfo last played in her home country for Linkoping in 2016, before joining German giants Bayern Munich.

However, the WSL is a league that Rolfo is yet to experience. This played a big part behind her decision to join Manchester United.

The Red Devils also provide the added benefit of Champions League football.

Why did Rolfo leave Barcelona early?

Fridolina Rolfo and Barcelona agreed to mutually terminate her contract, despite having another year left on their deal.

Barcelona Women have been forced to let players leave the club as they look to balance their accounts.

The most recent departure was that of Jana Fernandez to the London City Lionesses.

Fernandez’s departure leaves just 17 senior players in the Barcelona squad going into the new campaign.

There are also concerns that Barcelona could be forced into letting more players leave the club.

When could Fridolina Rolfo play her first Manchester United game?

Fridolina Rolfo could make her debut when Manchester United play Liverpool in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

Her competitive debut is likely to come when United play PSV in the Champions League next week.

The Women’s Super League season kicks off in just under three weeks. United begin their season on Sunday, September 7th, against Leicester City.