Gabriel Barbosa is waiting on Newcastle United to approach with an offer, as the Brazilian remains keen on a European return.
According to Chronicle, Gabriel Barbosa is keen on a return to Europe and is reportedly eager to join Newcastle United if the Premier League side approach. The Magpies were previously interested in the Brazilian, although the forward has since dropped down in their shortlist.
Some would remember Gabriel Barbosa being hyped up as the next Neymar half a decade ago. Inter Milan paid a premium for the untested forward and expected him to shine in 2016. However, the striker, also known as Gabigol, managed a solitary goal during the 2016/17 season.
A brief six-month loan spell at Benfica did not work out either, and Gabigol has since been playing in Brazil since January 2018. After a season at former side Santos, the forward joined Flamengo on loan and signed permanently in January 2020. The 25-year-old has thrived since returning to Brazil and has amassed 103 goals in 158 matches for Flamengo.
Having struggled in Europe, Gabigol remains intent on redeeming himself and would like to have another shot in the continent. His performances for Flamengo have continued to attract the attention of several clubs, and this summer, he could be in with a chance to return.
Newcastle United and Aston Villa were mentioned as possible suitors earlier in the window. Things had gone quiet on the front, though, but the Magpies’ name has once again been linked to the striker. Eddie Howe is keen on signing a centre-forward and continues to evaluate many options in the market.
A deal for Hugo Ekitike was in place until the deal collapsed. Armando Broja has been linked recently, as is Bayer Leverkusen’s versatile forward Moussa Diaby. However, these stars could be expensive acquisitions, particularly the Frenchman. Hence, Howe could consider someone more cost-effective in the scenario where Newcastle cannot sign their primary options, with Gabigol emerging as an option.
Gabigol, 25, has been prolific during his time in Brazil, and Newcastle’s head of recruitment, Steve Nickson, knows all about him. And the striker himself is keen on moving to St James’ Park. However, as per the report, the Brazilian forward is the third or fourth choice on their shortlist, and hence there is only a remote possibility of the Magpies signing him.
