Malcom has attracted another suitor as teams look to take advantage of his lack of playing time.
Ernesto Valverde has certainly improved on last season in regards to his squad rotation, but Malcom is a player that has been underutilised this season; he has only featured 19 times for a total of 772 minutes, although he has managed to contribute an impressive four goals and two assists. This means he has the 17th highest amount of minutes in the Barcelona squad, therefore, reflecting his periphery status.
Malcom was snatched from under Roma’s noses and Valverde’s apparent reluctance to use him regularly suggests that it was a petty move to get revenge on the Italian side after the humiliation in Rome or, at the very least, a transfer planned by the board rather than Valverde. However, they have a talented player on their hands — who has acted professionally throughout his Barcelona career — so it would be a shame to let him go unless they can demand a high fee.
According to Calciomercato, AC Milan have met with Malcom’s representatives as they start their summer transfer window preparations. Gazzetta dello Sport have provided more details: Milan are planning a Rafinha-type deal where they loan the Brazilian winger with an option to buy him for around 40-50 million euros at the end of the season, although it’s also reported that he would only be interested if they qualify for the Champions League.
The 22-year-old was signed for just under £37 million, so they would be able to make a profit on him assuming Milan took up the option to sign him in the potential agreement mentioned above. He is a talented youngster with the right mentality, though, which is a rare trait, and in the opportunities he has been given, he has impressed. It all depends on how much Valverde is willing to trust him next season because if he is still not inclined to play him then he might as well leave, otherwise he could be a useful asset.