Malcom joins Barcelona: What you need to know about Messi's new young teammate in Brazil

For the second time this summer, Barcelona has managed to sign another top, young Brazilian talent. Malcolm, the 21-year-old Bordeaux winger, has officially joined Barça on Tuesday, the Spanish club said. Here is what you need to know about the move:

Malcom nearly joined Roma before the end of Barça

Malcolm looked set to join AS Roma's Serie A on Monday, the Italian club announcing that it was not going to be the same. he had concluded an agreement his transfer. But this was baffled by a last minute effort from Barcelona, ​​with the player agreeing to join the Spanish side over the Italians. It seemed almost certain that he would play in Italy, but Barça finally imposed with a more convincing offer to deserve his signature.

What kind of player is he?

Right winger, he can also change wing or come inside a little. But there is no doubt that where it is the best, it is down. Now he should not be considered as Lionel Messi's replacement, but he's doing pretty well, he could very well be. One of the best young talents in the world, he scored eight goals in 28 games in France last season and his speed and creativity are what sets him apart the most.

How does he fit into the team?

Well, it's difficult. He is not likely to start, but he would have a shot if Messi had to play more in the middle. He is probably still behind Ousmane Dembele, the big winner of last summer, who has just won the World Cup with France but who has not yet qualified at Barça, partly because of 39, a serious injury that he suffered at the beginning of the season. But Dembele and he are likely to fight to play time on the right wing as substitutes, while seeking to fight for places in the Copa del Rey matches. It's more about being a future contributor than immediate, but there is no doubt that he could help right away.

He is also a player who should play a role in the Brazilian national team in the coming years. The current Brazilian manager, Tite, was his coach at Corinthians before Malcolm before moving to Europe.