Barça sign Gustavo Maia for €4.5m as they look to strengthen the B side

Gustavo Maia is now a Barça B player. The 19-year-old Brazilian forward, who joins from Sao Paulo's U20 side, has stood out for his versatility and goalscoring ability. Atletico Madrid and Liverpool had also sent out scouts to look at him but Barça moved quickest to snap up his signature.

Whilst natural on the left of an attacking three, Maia is comfortable playing down the centre or on the right. He's fast, got great technical ability, is comfortable taking on his marker and has an improving end product. Naturally, he's most comfortable with the ball at his feet and can be guilty of hanging onto possession for too long. 

The deal to bring Maia is was finalised in January and will cost Barça €4.5m. Sao Paulo will be due 30% of any future fee should he be sold on.

The young forward hasn't played in four months due to the COVID-19 crisis. Maia had expected to play a role in U20 Brazilian League but it never got started. He's trained six times per week in order to maintain his fitness alongside a personal trainer.

Maia wants to arrive in Barcelona at a similar fitness level to his teammates. He began Spanish classes last month in order to aid his adaptation to the country.

Barça B will be in the Segunda B division next season after losing the play-off final against Sabadell. Maia will be hoping to hit the ground running and ensure the B side gain promotion next year.