Barcelona have officially announced the signing of Brazilian winger Malcom, who was also a summer target for AS Roma, in a €41 million deal
Barcelona have made an official statement to confirm that they have secured the services of Malcom on a five-year contract. The Blaugrana have agreed a €41 million deal with Bordeaux for the Brazilian winger, who was heavily linked with a move to AS Roma this week.
Malcom arrives at Barcelona with a burgeoning reputation of being one of the most promising wingers in football at the present moment. After a slow start to his stint at Bordeaux, the player went about establishing himself as a key figure for Les Girondins, doing so successfully last season.
?? Here is Malcom, Barça´s new signing
⚽️ #EnjoyMalcom
?? #EnjoyBarça pic.twitter.com/pCvp6i33dY— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 24, 2018
In fact, the Brazilian was one of the most impressive young players in Ligue 1 last season, with a healthy return of 12 goals and 7 assists in 35 league outings. Heading into the summer transfer window, the 21-year-old was one of the most highly sought-after figures in the transfer market, with Everton and AS Roma among those interested. But, Barcelona have swooped in at the eleventh hour.
In fact, Malcom was believed to be ready and waiting at the airport to fly to Rome and complete the formalities of his transfer. But, in stunning fashion, Barcelona moved in to wrap up the deal within hours and take him to Camp Nou instead, scuppering Roma’s deal in the process.
Barcelona’s search for a winger in the summer transfer window was quite well documented. But, for the longest time, it was another Brazilian who was believed to be the subject of their interest – Willian. The Spanish champions had even submitted three bids for the player, all of which were rejected by Chelsea.
It now looks like the Blaugrana’s patience ultimately ran out when they sensed the possibility of signing Willian’s compatriot in a more economical deal. The player becomes their third summer signing and will put pen to paper on a five-year deal when he arrives at Camp Nou later on Tuesday, with Barcelona paying €41 million plus €1 million in variables for the Brazilian’s signature.
Preferring Malcom over Willian makes sense as well, as the 21-year-old will be a much longer term solution as compared to the Chelsea man. As far as matters on the field are concerned, Malcom could have been signed to replace Ousmane Dembele, whose Barcelona future is uncertain.
If instead, the Frenchman ends up staying, the move will have bolstered the Catalans’ attack considerably. All in all, the move seems to be a masterstroke by Barcelona, who are building a strong squad for next season
Thus ends a captivating transfer saga that is likely to be talked about for days to come, with the Brazilian set to undergo his medical on Wednesday before joining his new teammates in their pre-season tour of USA after his unveiling. Roma though, must quickly move on and identify appropriate alternatives now if they are to reinforce their attack.
