Southampton’s swoop to sign Barcelona’s Marlon is all but done as the two clubs have agreed a £10.6million fee and the defender has opted to snub other Premier League clubs in favour of St Mary’s, according to Sport.
The Spanish news outlet claims that the 22-year-old’s move to Southampton is just days away from being finalised and an announcement will be made by the south coast club once they wish to make it public knowledge.
Marlon, who spent last season on loan at Nice, is now looking poised to be the Saints’ fourth summer signing after Stuart Armstrong, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Angus Gunn.
Good move for Southampton?
Marlon is still young and has some way to go before reaching his potential, but he should become a very good signing for Southampton.
He made 27 appearances in all competitions while on loan at Nice in France last season, however he proved there that he is not quite cut out for the big occasions just yet having been in the side for thrashings against Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon, who he was sent off against in November.
Just because Barca are willing to sell does not make him a bad player either.
He may not be expected to start but should be a good back-up and in a couple of years’ time he may end up being a really crucial player at St Mary’s.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Southampton look as though they have this singing in the bag as Mark Hughes continues to make improvements to his squad ahead of the start of next season.
Marlon appears to be happy with the move to Southampton and so do the two clubs, so we can expect to see this signing wrapped up very soon judging by the information coming out of Spain.
This is Futbol rating 9/10