Unai Emery has confirmed Barcelona wanted to sign Marquinhos this summer
Marquinhos had been linked with a move to Barcelona throughout the summer, and some reports also claimed that the Paris Saint-Germain centre half was keen on a move himself, but PSG managed to hold on to the 22-year-old.
Marquinhos is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in the world today, and it is no surprise that a club like Barcelona were interested in signing him.
But according to Emery, Marquinhos appreciates what PSG have done for him, and this is why he chose to stay :
“Barcelona did try to sign Marquinhos this summer. But he is grateful to PSG for the opportunity to play at such a big club.” he said, according to El Pais
“The opportunity to play for Barcelona might appeal to him, but he respects what PSG has given him and chose to stay here. That also says a lot about a complete player.”
Marquinhos was also linked with a move to Chelsea this summer, but despite the reports Paris Saint-Germain stood firm and managed to keep hold of the Brazilian.
Signed from AS Roma in 2013 for a fee of €31.4 million at just 19 years of age, Marquinhos was widely expected to slot straight into the PSG side. However, the Brazilian struggled to break into the first team over the next couple of seasons and this prompted constant speculation that he could move on, with no shortage of suitors.
However, David Luiz moved on to Chelsea this summer, and that has given Marquinhos the opportunity he needed. The centre-back – who is a quick player with excellent positional sense – has made 15 appearances for PSG this season, and has formed a strong partnership with his compatriot Thiago Silva.
Marquinhos’ performances this season have been eye-catching, and it will be no surprise if links away from PSG do not die down, despite what Emery says about the player’s commitment.
Marquinhos’ current contract with PSG runs until 2019.