Ernesto Valverde did a decent job to win the La Liga title in his first season at Camp Nou. However, the quality of teams around Spain and in Europe is constantly on the rise and it will need Barcelona to spend big yet again this summer, to make sure that they are well equipped to compete with the best next season.
The manager has already signed a couple of exciting stars in Clement Lenglet and Arthur Melo but reports suggest that Valverde is desperate to add a natural winger to his side this summer.
The Catalan giants were desperate for the services of Chelsea’s Willian, who is currently unsettled at Stamford Bridge. The Blues, however, have already rejected three bids from Barcelona, the last of which was valued at £55m. It now looks like Barcelona will no longer pursue a deal for Willian as they seem to have moved on to another Brazilian in Malcom.
Born and brought up in Sao Paolo, the 21-year old moved to Europe with French side Bordeaux in 2015 and has slowly managed to earn himself a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in his role in Europe. He was one of the best players for the club last season as he registered 12 goals and seven assists in Ligue 1, attracting interest from around Europe.
The likes of Napoli and Everton are also interested in his services but Italian giants AS Roma seemed to have finalized a deal to sign Malcom this summer. The 21-year old was due to arrive in Rome earlier this week but it was then reported that Barcelona have hijacked this deal from Roma for Malcom.
Even as AS Roma fans were waiting at the airport to get a glimpse of Malcom, Barcelona have reportedly put forth their offer, handing Malcom a better pay package, which seems to have turned his head. Both teams are prepared to pay in excess of £30m but a chance to play for the La Liga champions might be too much for Malcom to ignore.
Valverde wants a natural winger, and saw Willian as the perfect fit as the Chelsea man can play on the right wing, and help Ousmane Dembele settle into the side. However, Malcom does not really replace Willian in that role as he will have to fight for a place in the first team with the French youngster.
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The Bordeaux man has immense potential and has the profile to be a Barcelona signing. He might take his time to make an impact but he will surely impress in his time in Spain. But do you think he is the right man for Barcelona?
