Three! That is the official number of players Paris Saint-Germain have signed so far this summer. After splashing the cash for Edinson Cavani, bargaining successfully for Lucas Digne, PSG once again beat their competitors by securing the services of Marquinhos for 31.4m euros which makes him the fifth most expensive defenders in the history of the game.
Only a year ago, the young Brazilian was a completely unknown quantity when Zdenek Zeman brought him to Rome last summer from Corinthians. Since then, the youngster has seen a rise in his standing that is nothing short of stratospheric and phenomenal.
Marquinhos arrived in the Eternal City as a shy 18-year-old prospect, eager to learn in his first few seasons before announcing himself on the world stage.
However, thanks to many injuries and suspensions, Zeman, a man who is always ready to use the youth card, gave him his chance, a chance that the teenager grabbed with both hands and showed immense potential which is quite extraordinary given his tender age.
The youngster is one of the most technically gifted defenders in the game today. Blessed with raw pace and close control, Marquinhos is a complete package also because he has great anticipation. From next season, Marquinhos will be playing alongside Thiago Silva/Alex in defence and would be looking to learn more from his idol.
Although he might be weighed down by the price tag, it should be noted that last season, Marquinhos was Roma’s leading defender in terms of aerial duets and headed clearances which means that the youngster could have a great debut campaign for Les Parisiens just like Marco Verratti had when he signed for the club last summer from Pescara.
Thiago Silva and Brazil
This move could also open doors for Marquinhos to a ticket to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil next year. Playing at a top team featuring in the Champions League means that the youngster will always be under the radar of Luis Felipe Scolari. Moreover, playing alongside Thiago Silva will only make him better and even if he eventually joins Barcelona, Silva would be leaving Parc des Princes with a disciple who could be the future of the club.
Au Revoir Sakho?
The past few months have not been good to Mamdou Sakho at PSG. The club’s academy product is no more guaranteed a place in the starting XI. And if last season was a wakeup call, the next season could be even serious for the France international who missed out on Euro 2012 due to limited game-time at the club. And with the world cup looming large, Sakho would also be itching for a move away from Parc des Princes in a bid to revive his chances with Les Bleus.
Furthermore, the arrival of Marquinhos means that PSG would now be looking to offload Sakho as he will be deemed surplus to requirements.
All in all, the arrival of Marquinhos means that PSG have made it clear that they are willing to invest in the future. Moreover, Nasser Al-Khelaifi is aware that Silva might not be at the club for long so having Marquinhos means that now the club has a back-up plan should the former AC Milan man considers to take his leave.
