We have signed 22-year-old Brazilian Atlético Mineiro striker José Marcos Costa Martins, better known as Marquinhos, who spent last season on loan at Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv.

Introduction

Marquinhos was born on 23 October 1999 in Cajari, Brazil. The striker was brought up at two-time Brazilian champions Atlético Mineiro and was called up to the senior team in March 2018, where he made his debut straight away. Except for a six-month spell on loan at Chapecoense-SC, Marquinhos remained loyal to his boyhood club until February 2021, scoring his first ever goal in the top flight in 2019.

He eventually left his homeland with 26 Brazilian first-team games under his belt. He headed to Europe, joining Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv on loan last February. Since then, he has made 28 appearances for the club and has become a key member of the squad this season, scoring six goals in 18 league games and providing four assists to become his club's top scorer at the end of the autumn season. Here's a taste of his skills...

The acquisition of Marquinhos is also a major win for our club and the national league, as the most valuable footballer in the entire Bulgarian league has just transferred to the country. Marquinhos has a market value of €3.8 million according to the respected Transfermarkt, making him the most expensive player in the NB I.