Zenit St Petersburg may sell Malcom for just £17 million with a move to the Premier League possible for the reported Newcastle United target, his agent tells Sports Daily Russia.
The one-time Barcelona misfit is in the form his life at Zenit; taking his tally to 19 goals from 25 games with another brace during this weekend’s 3-2 victory over Khimki.
With performances such as this becoming more and more frequent for arguably the most talented footballer in all of Russia, another stab at one of Europe’s major leagues may soon be approaching; FootMercato reporting that the rapid right-winger has interest from Newcastle United.
It was confirmed, last month, that Malcom had been approved for Russian citizenship. That does not mean, however, that he is destined to stick around for the long haul at Zenit.
Newcastle and PSG like Zenit St Petersburg star Malcom
“No, I don’t think so,” Alexei Safonov said when asked if a Russian passport would keep Malcom at the Gazprom Arena.
“I think that he is of such an age that, if there is a serious offer to return to Europe, the leagues of Spain or England, he will leave.”
Some have suggested that Zenit will demand around £35 million for Malcom. Safonov, however, believes his client can be snapped up for around 50 per cent less.
“Malcolm plays in Russia and does not play in European competitions. For 20 million (euros), it’s real. But you can’t sell him for 40 million euros,” he adds.
“It all depends on the price. If it is adequate, then he will be signed by any club. Malcolm is a good, solid player. But 40 million will not be paid for him.”
‘You should always have goals’
Malcom was outstanding during his formative days at Bordeaux before that ill-fated spell at Barcelona. The Brazilian came close to a return to France with Paris Saint-Germain in January but believes other opportunities will come around if he maintains his current rate of progress.
“I am pleased with the prospect of one day being in a top league again,” Malcom tells Championat. “Perhaps it will happen someday. If there are no such ambitions, then there may not be any motivation.
“You should always have such goals. This is what makes you work hard, and show off the best version of yourself.
“PSG? I don’t see this as a rare opportunity. Yes, there was an opportunity. But now it’s in the past. I think if I continue to work as hard as I can, I will still be able to prove myself at the highest European level. There are no thoughts that this was my only chance to go to a top club.”
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