Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea can all cross Brazilian sensation Marquinhos off their list as the 19 year old has signed with Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain.
Marquinhos’ rise to prominence has been lightning quick, as the center-back spent one season on Corinthians senior side (making six appearances) in 2010-11 before moving to AS Roma this past year.
It was in the Italian capital that the youngster, who’s full name is Marcos Aoás Corrêa, wowed audiences with his ability to tackle and intercept passes with ease.
A statement on PSG’s official website confirmed the deal: “Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce that Marcos Aoas Correa, known as Marquinhos, has signed a five-year contract with the club after transferring from AS Roma.”
While no fee has been officially disclosed it is believed that PSG dropped upwards of $46 million (€35m) to acquire the defender. Marquinhos will be a boost to Les Parisiens defense, which conceded a league leading 29 goals last season.
The signing may also be indicative of PSG’s intent to sell one of its pre-existing center-backs, Thiago Silva or France international Mamadou Sakho.
Silva has been the subject of numerous transfer rumors this summer, with Barcelona leading the calls. But with the big money acquisition of Neymar and concerns surrounding the club’s remaining funds for summer transfers, it seems unlikely the Blaugrana will shell out for the likes of Silva. Increasing the doubt that Barcelona will continue to be active is manager Tito Villanova’s decision to step down due to health concerns.
The more likely defender to be departing the French capital is Sakho, who Arsenal, Monaco, Liverpool and Newcastle have all been monitoring. If Sakho is dealt, the Brazilian center-back pairing of Silva and Marquinhos will be set to lead PSG to defend the French title.
For Marquinhos, the chance at linking up with Silva was a major factor in his deciding to sign with PSG. “I am delighted to be joining Paris St Germain, a club where so many Brazilians have played and helped write the club’s history. I will do everything I can to continue that tradition and write my own name into the club’s illustrious history books.”
