Newcastle Close to Getting Marlon from Barcelona

The defender could be loaned out

Newcastle United are close to getting Marlon Santos on loan from Barcelona, for a fee of 2 million euros, according to Diario SPORT. The Brazilian defender played during Barcelona’s preseason tour of the United States, where he has performed well.

However, there is a need to move him on as Barcelona have exceeded the limit of non-EU players, which stands at three. Philippe Coutinho is going to get his Portuguese passport soon, but that would still leave Arturo Vidal, Malcom, and Arthur taking up the three spots. That means Marlon and Yerry Mina need to be moved on.

Marlon spent last season on loan at Nice, who did not exercise their buy option. Marlon has been linked with a few English clubs, but it seems that the Geordie outfit, coached by Rafa Benitez, are favorites to sign him.

The rumor is that there will be no buy option in the deal, although it has yet to be fully agreed. Regardless, due to the non-EU rule, it’s very likely that Marlon has to leave FC Barcelona.

Source: barcablaugranes.com