Barcelona have been handed an opportunity to sign Brazilian striker Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa from Flamengo in the summer transfer window next year.
According to a report from Fichajes, Barcelona have been presented with a chance to land the services of Gabriel Barbosa from Brazilian outfit Flamengo in the summer of 2022.
Barbosa, widely known as Gabigol, came through the ranks at Santos and was tipped as the next big thing in Brazilian football. Having secured a move to Inter Milan in 2016, the striker endured a difficult spell in Italy. A loan move to Benfica followed, but that too proved to be a dud, following which the 25-year-old returned to Santos on loan in January 2018.
A year later, Gabigol signed for Flamengo, initially on loan, before making his transfer to the Rio De Janeiro outfit permanent in 2020. Since returning to Brazil, the centre-forward has found his mojo back, especially over the past couple of years at Flamengo, where he has tasted immense success.
Indeed, Gabigol has posted an impressive tally of 84 goals and 26 assists in 124 matches for Flamengo, winning two Brazilian league titles and the Copa Libertadores as well. The Brazilian international’s improved form has led to interest from clubs in Europe again, with the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham United all keen on signing him.
However, the 25-year-old could potentially join Barcelona in the summer of 2022 as his services have now been offered to the Catalan giants, as per the report mentioned above.
Barcelona are in the market for a new centre-forward after losing Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann last summer. Sergio Aguero was brought in earlier this year, but the Argentine is set to retire after being diagnosed with a heart condition. Luuk de Jong, meanwhile, does not belong in manager Xavi Hernandez’s plans and will be offloaded at the earliest possible.
With Memphis Depay not entirely convincing when playing through the middle, it becomes imperative that Barça sign a new striker at the earliest possible. A January move for Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani has been touted strongly. But given his age, the Uruguayan will only be a short-term solution for the Blaugrana.
Someone like Gabigol, who has been offered to the Catalans, could be more of a permanent fix to Barcelona’s attacking woes. However, with his contract running till the summer of 2024, he could command a significant fee, which the La Liga heavyweights might find difficult to pay, owing to their financial situation unless things change between now and the end of the season.
