Brazilian side Santos have finally admitted they are unlikely to keep Gabriel Barbosa, linked to Crystal Palace this week, at the club for the next football year.
Currently loaned by Inter Milan until December, the player should return to Italy and sort his future there, while rumours say that the Nerazzurri are not keen on keeping him at the club either.
Speaking to the local press this week, Santos president José Carlos Peres has claimed the club would have financial issues to hold the player for longer, as Inter are unlikely to loan him out for a small amount again.
“The Chinese have paid R$88m, and if they divide for the four seasons of the contract, they are R$22m each, they have already lost a season now, so for you to get another R$22m, they lose half the contract. This is the big block we found.”
“We will not give up, we will keep trying, but it is important to say that it is very difficult to take that player out of Inter for next year.” (via UOL)
It’s simply factual that Santos don’t have the conditions to fight for such star, and that makes things easier for Crystal Palace, who according to reports this week are the only foreign club who have made an approach for Gabigol so far. His agent is said to be working to transfer him to England.
Earlier today, we pointed out that a six-month loan deal with an option to buy could turn out to be a great opportunity for Crystal Palace, because with 24 goals this season, Gabigol is definitely worth a shot. And it doesn’t sound like the competition will be big.
On the issue of a work permit, that he’s not a regular Brazil international won’t kill a deal because for several years the permit process has had a back-up points system. A player of Gabigol’s level, and with the potential associated transfer fee, shouldn’t have too much of a problem.
