Done Deal: Zenit Sign Malcom For €40 Million From Barcelona

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Malcom’s tenure at Barcelona lasted just one season.

The former Bordeaux star was never able to settle in Spain, and struggled for playing time in his first season with Los Blaugranas. Knowing things would get even tougher following the arrival of Antoine Griezmann this summer, Malcom decided to leave and got his wish granted.

Now, the Brazilian will feature in the Russian Premier League after Zenit St. Petersburg bought for him for a €40 million transfer. That’s only a fraction of what Barca paid for him roughly 12 months ago, but it’s still a decent piece of business considering how poor Malcom looked during the 2018-19 season of La Liga.

This is also a shocking move for the RPL since Malcom becomes the league’s all-time most expensive signing, eclipsing previous signings such as Hulk and Axel Witsel.

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal at Zenit and will cost an initial fee of £36 million, although that amount can rise to almost £41 million due to possible add-ons.

Arsenal and Everton were also keen on the Brazilian winger, but he chose a place where he will be able to play on a regular basis. Now it remains to be seen if he will be able to rediscover his best form, one that made him one of the most sought-after players in Europe just 12 months ago.