Marseille want Brazilian Gerson Santos da Silva to finally shine in Europe

You have to have a bit of Brazilian flair to make it big. It’s certainly the logic behind Olympique de Marseille’s latest transfer move. Former Roma midfielder Gerson Santos da Silva is on the verge of a move to the French giants.

According to Brazilian daily Globo, Gerson’s transfer Marseille is all but completed. Negotiations for have intensified since Sunday evening and are nearing completion to the delight of coach Jorge Sampaoli.

The Brazilian daily explains that the two clubs are in the process of settling the last administrative details but that they agree on the essentials: the 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder, ex-international U20, would be transferred for $30 million with bonuses up to $6 million. Flamengo would also receive between 20% and 25% of a future transfer. The talented midfielder will sign a five-year contract with the club that finished fifth in Ligue 1.

Gerson is currently in Serbia, where the Brazilian Olympic Team is preparing for the Tokyo Games, which should take place from 27 July until 8 August 8. He could stop in Marseille for the official presentation before O Selecao heads to Japan.

Roma were the first Europan club to notice Gerson’s talent. The Italians bought the then-19-year-old for just over $20 million in 2016. Two seasons at Stadio Olimpico and another year on loan with Fiorentina apparently weren’t enough for Gerson to make his name in Serie A. Roma took a $7 million hit when Flamengo came calling in July of 2019. This made Gerson one of few players to have represented both Fluminense and Flamengo, big rival clubs from Rio de Janeiro.

Marseille are in need of some quality in the middle of the park after having lost Morgan Sanson to Aston Villa in the last transfer window without replacing him. Gerson Santos da Silva could be the answer to their prayers.