Today, reports in the English media claimed that Brazilian star Gabriel Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, is now eyeing a move back to European football.
Despite the striker’s struggles at Inter and Benfica, he managed to turn things around in Brazil, with an impressive record of 83 goals in 121 appearances for Flamengo and multiple titles.
Now with this claim of him planning to play in the Premier League, it was said that clubs such as Everton and Newcastle United are considering making a big for him.
It’s been reported that ‘intermediaries’ are ‘actively looking at his options’ so the 25-year-old could move to England in January.
However, with the claims now getting coverage in Brazil, the response from Gabigol’s camp was not very positive.
Journalist Jorge Nicola managed to speak to Gabigol’s representative Junior Pedroso. The agent claims that the rumours came up from a Portuguese official who has no links with the player.
“Only us from 4ComM and Gabriel’s father can speak on behalf of the athlete. And there is absolutely nothing with Premier League or any other league at the moment,” Junior Pedroso told Jorge Nicola.
Everton have indeed been linked to Gabigol in the summer, as reports claimed that officials from the Toffees tried to find information on a potential transfer during a tournament in Florida.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s interest would be something new, with the Magpies’ takeover always making them one of the competitors for big signings.
Nicola now writes that Flamengo would only sell their star for at least €20m, and considering that not a lot is spent in the January market, the transfer is unlikely to happen in the winter, regardless of how much money the St James’ Park side have these days.
