Barcelona are all set to conclude the signing of Sao Paulo teenager Gustavo Maia next week, according to reports. The sensational 19-year-old has been linked with European heavyweights Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in recent months.
Talented centre-forward Maia has been attracting significant attention for his impressive displays in the Sao Youth Football Cup in January and the Catalan giants were quick to act by negotiating a first-option clause for the teenager – a £880,000 deposit Sao Paulo are expected to receive this week.
Spanish newspaper Sport allege the operation will be a closed deal by next Wednesday with both clubs set to discuss how the remaining £3.1million will be settled.
The report further says ‘Gustavo Maia will be a Barcelona player next season’ regardless of the coronavirus pandemic delaying things. Barcelona have been told to seal the striker deal with approval from the directors.
Meanwhile, at the higher end of the scales, Camp Nou legend Rivaldo thinks Barcelona should re-sign Neymar instead of forking out cash they’re hard-pressed upon to scrape up for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez in the upcoming transfer window.
Quique Setien’s side desperately looking at various options to bolster their ranks this summer with Brazilian Neymar top of the list and Argentine forward Martinez the next best option on their transfer shortlist, but Rivaldo thinks Barcelona would be wise to re-sign Neymar instead.
“Lautaro Martinez’s release clause has recently expired, so Internazionale can now ask for more money to sell him and, apparently, they want to extend his contract and keep him at the club,” Rivaldo told Betfair.
As for Neymar, Rivaldo says:
“According to recent news, Leonardo might now be interested in negotiating the Brazilian star’s move from PSG.
“I believe Neymar joining Lionel Messi would help Barcelona become again that sensational team that won many titles several years ago.
“Neymar would be the best possible signing for Barcelona as he will cheer up the squad and give a nice alternative to decide matches, allowing Messi to take a rest occasionally.”