OGC Nice strengthens its defense. After passing the medical examination this Tuesday, Brazilian central defender Marlon (21 years old) has officially joined Gym. He is on loan from FC Barcelona.
Trained at Fluminense, Marlon Santos (1.82m, 80 kg) took his first steps in the Brazilian championship. His passing and speed skills, showcased notably during the U20 World Cup where he was a finalist with Brazil in 2015, caught the eye of the Catalan club.
Initially loaned last summer, the native of Duque de Caxias had his purchase option permanently lifted in June by the Blaugrana, after a season with the B team – to which he contributed to elevate to the second division of Spanish football – and his appearances in the first team in the Champions League (against Celtic) and in the final stretch of the championship in the absence of Gerard Piqué. Last July, he also took part in Barça’s victory against Juventus during the International Champions Cup in the United States (photo below).
The Brazilian U21 international is the 2nd defender to join Gym this summer, following Christophe Jallet (who arrived from Lyon). This Tuesday, he has already met his compatriot and new teammate, Dante.
