Santos teenager Thiago Maia has revealed he would be opening to joining Paris Saint-Germain over Barcelona and Real Madrid as he gears up for a switch to Europe.
Maia, 19, was part of Brazil’s 2016 Olympic winning squad and has already been linked with a move to Europe, with Chelsea among the clubs reportedly interested.
However, the Santos midfielder has weighed in on his own future and is keen to secure a switch to PSG where he would link up with close friend Marquinhos.
“A lot of players say they want to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona but I identify myself with PSG,” Maia told ESPN. “Contact? Not yet but I hope it happens one day.
“As I said, I identify myself with PSG and I have friends there. Marquinhos has told me what the club is like. It is clear he is happy there.”
The Brazilian teenager does not have a European passport and would be registered as one of PSG’s four allotted non-EU players. Unai Emery’s side currently have one slot available following the departure of David Luiz to Chelsea in the summer.
Of players aged 21 and under to have featured in the Brasileirao this season only two players have completed more tackles than Maia (77).
For more stats on Thiago Maia, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
