Barcelona have swooped to sign Brazilian forward Malcom on a five-year deal from Girondins Bordeaux for an initial 41 million euros ($47.89 million) in a surprise move after AS Roma had struck a deal with the French club. The 21-year-old was set to join the Italians this week but Spanish champions Barca's 11th hour offer changed Malcom's mind and he became their third signing of the transfer window.
"This is a unique feeling, a unique feeling," he said at Barca's Nou Camp offices on Tuesday. "I'm delighted. It's a dream I've had since childhood. I'm part of the best club in the world and I hope to give the fans a lot of joy."
AS Roma had reached an initial agreement with Bordeaux on Monday. Barcelona then entered the bidding, leading Roma to submit an improved offer for the player. Bordeaux then met with Malcom's representatives on Tuesday to discuss the transfer which is when Roma pulled out.
Here's how it all went down:
# Bordeaux and Roma confirmed an agreement has been reached to sign Malcom.
# Bordeaux booked a flight to Roma for Malcom to travel for his medical.
# Meanwhile, Chelsea rejected Barcelona's latest offer for Willian.
# Barcelona then made an offer for Malcom outbidding Roma.
# Bordeaux canceled Malcom's flight to Rome while AS Roma fans waited at the airport to watch the arrival of their new star.
# Roma then sent an improved bid. However, Barcelona again outbid them.
# Malcom signs for Barcelona.
Roma says sorry to fans, consider legal action
In an interview on Roma's website, Sporting Director Monchi said that Roma are considering legal action after a proposed deal collapsed.
I am very sorry for what has happened, but I believe that we had a complete agreement with Bordeaux – and then offered even more than that to get it done again," Monchi said to Roma TV.
"President [James] Pallotta made the decision to make the best offer possible, but when the negotiation became an auction we decided to withdraw from it. If someone wants to come to Roma that is great, but ultimately if they do not want to come to Rome then we do not want them.
"I want to tell our fans that we are continuing to work hard, working to identify a player that wants to come to Roma and is the equal or even better than Malcom.
"Now, within the club, we are looking at our options and seeing if we have a legal case. It is true that nothing was signed, but there are many messages with the agents and their president that are at least worth being assessed."
Malcom for Willian!
Media reports said Malcom's change of destination came after Barca's move for fellow Brazilian forward Willian broke down when they were unable to agree a transfer fee with Chelsea, leading them to turn to Bordeaux's fleet-footed wide forward.
"The Brazilian will undergo a medical on Wednesday morning and then directly join the FC Barcelona US Tour," read a statement from the Spanish champions, whose deal for the player includes an extra one million euros in variables.
Malcom joined Bordeaux from Brazilian side Corinthians in January 2016 and scored 23 goals in 96 games for the club. He is Barca's second Brazilian signing of the transfer window after midfielder Arthur, 21, joined from Gremio.
Barcelona also signed 23-year-old French defender Clement Lenglet from Sevilla earlier this month.
