FC Barcelona secures a purchase option for Maia, young talent from São Paulo

FC Barcelona has secured a purchase option for the young talent from São Paulo, Gustavo Maia. The 19-year-old forward has not yet made his debut in the Série A with the Brazilian club.

The agreement has been confirmed by São Paulo manager, Alexandre Pássaro, to ESPN Brasil. "We have sold a preferential purchase option for 5 million reais (about 930,000 euros). Barcelona can exercise the purchase for 25 million reais (about 4.5 million euros) in the middle of the year if they wish," said Pássaro.

To sign the player, Barça will have to pay another 4.5 million euros to acquire 70% of the forward's rights. The remaining 30% of Maia's rights belong to São Paulo, with whom the player has a contract until 2022.

According to Pássaro, the Barcelona club can make the aforementioned payment before June 30, the deadline to exercise the purchase option.

Maia was one of the players who caught the attention of Barcelona scouts during a trip to South America last year, according to ESPN.