After weeks of chasing a big name signing to bolster their attack, Barcelona have sealed the services of Brazilian winger Malcom from Bordeaux.
Roma seemed set to sign the 21-year-old after launching their own bid over the weekend, however the Blaugrana have acted fast to convince him to move to the Camp Nou.
The deal was confirmed by Barcelona on Tuesday with Malcom due for a medical on Wednesday, after which he will fly out to partake in the club’s pre-season tour of North America.
Therefore, no details of an official unveiling taking place in Catalonia, or elsewhere, are known at this time.
Antoine Griezmann and Willian were the club’s initial preferences to strengthen Ernesto Valverde’s forward options this summer but the Atletico Madrid star opted to stay in the Spanish capital, whereas Chelsea demanded a high price for their own Brazilian wide-man.
In completing the five-year deal for Malcom, Barcelona hand over 41 million euros to Bordeaux with 1m euros agreed in bonuses.
As in other high profile transfers involving Brazilian players, Andre Cury was a key man in bringing the young attacker to his eventual destination, and the Blaugrana now have four non-EU players on their squad list.
That is one too many to satisfy LaLiga regulations and Philippe Coutinho is awaiting the completion of his switch to a Portuguese passport, although Yerry Mina’s exit from Barcelona cannot yet be fully ruled out.
