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| Malcom in action for Bordeaux |
Yesterday, FC Barcelona pulled one of the biggest transfer stunts of the summer transfer window after they efficiently hijacked AS Roma's agreement with Bordeaux for the signature of young winger Malcom from the French club. The Catalan Giants came into the frame in the last minute and ended up winning the race for the youngster as they snapped him up for a fee of 41+1 million euros with the Brazilian player penning a contract that will keep him at the Camp Nou for the next five seasons.
Being Barcelona third signing of the summer, Malcom has joined the team in their US preseason tour but his transfer sprung a bit of controversy with some sides enjoying while others are kicking their feet in anger. Who are the winners and losers from this deal?
Winner: Barcelona
No doubt the biggest winner is Barca. The Catalan club got the services of yet another young talent in the market and for a fee not breaking their banks. Barca were all out to get fellow Brazilian Willian Borges but ended up with a better signing, a young pacey winger that can dribble, create and shoot from distance instead of going for a 30-year old inconsistent player in Willian. Malcom hasn't shone in the brightest of stages but he sure has a bright future ahead of him.
Losers: Chelsea
According to reports, Barcelona were prepared to splash up to 50 million for Willian but Chelsea kept rejecting recurrent offers claiming they would only sell for around 70 million. This is a 30-year old player who isn't much of the main man in their squad. And as Barcelona backed out, they've lost their chance of cashing out on Willian, funds which could've been vital in strengthening their squad much more than it currently is.
Winner: Malcom
Well, it's a dream for every player to play in the top category of football and most especially in the bright red and blue of Barcelona. Malcom was on his way to Italy but couldn't resist a call to play with Messi and co and he made the decision to come to Catalunya and has fulfilled his dream of playing for one of Europe's elite. What a lucky lad.
Loser: AS Roma and Fans
The club took to Twitter that there was an agreement and it looked like they were going to get one of Europe's brightest young talents, their fans were reportedly at the airport awaiting Malcom's arrival but then Barca came in and he made a U-turn. Huge disappointment.
