Barcelona signing Malcom was offered to Real Madrid last week
The key to Malcom's signing was intermediary Kia Joorabchian of Media Sport Investment who, ahead of the final deal, had been in touch with other clubs.
Malcom, the name that is filling newspaper headlines across Europe after signing for FC Barcelona's 11th hour bid, could have been playing for their biggest rival, Real Madrid.
Malcom: Madrid, United, Roma...Barça
On Tuesday morning it appeared that the Bordeaux winger was going to be another addition to the seemingly revitalised Serie A. Monchi had identified the man AS Roma required and everything was in place for the player to sign on the dotted line and an amusing announcement would then follow from the club's official social media team. But then the Liga champions stepped in.
Much has been made of what many have called a 'steal' from under the noses of the Roman side but the Catalan club are adamant that they did nothing wrong. As for the final destination of the 23-year old, information has come to light that states he could have been playing in the Spanish capital, for Barça's greatest rivals, if they had accepted the offer made to them.
Last week, according to reports, Kia Joorabchian, the Iranian agent in control of the transfer of the player, put the option in front of Real Madrid. Joorabchian has denied some claims that he was involved in the Malcom operation, but several sources close to the situation have confirmed otherwise, as well as stating that the Brazilian was offered to both Madrid and Manchester United last week.
Los Blancos chose not to pursue the forward, a player with a similar profile to both Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio. Now we will all watch to see how he performs for the team Madrid are trying to catch in LaLiga.
