French champions Paris Saint-Germain have opened talks to renew the contract of Brazilian defender Marquinhos, whose current bond is valid until 2019.
According to the information from Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade, the board of the French club wants to extend the contract of Marquinhos until 2021. The player would receive a significant increase in wages, and the release clause is also expected to be high. The strong interest from Barcelona and the recent departure of David Luiz to Chelsea were the main factors that made PSG to value the 22-year-old. Playing in France since 2013, Marquinhos came close to completing a transfer to Barcelona in April this year. At the time, the young defender had agreed personal terms with the Spanish club, but his club vetoed a deal.
French newspaper L’Équipe reported last week that Barcelona are willing to shell out €60 million to sign Marquinhos. Mundo Deportivo, in turn, claimed that Marquinhos is one of the favorite players of Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, who has informed the club’s board about his wish to count on the Brazilian. Marquinhos was excellent for Brazil during the team’s successful campaign in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.