Gabriel Barbosa wants big project to leave Flamengo amid West Ham links
West Ham remain keen on Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa, but the Brazilian is only interested in a huge project, according to Sky Sports.
The Good Morning Transfers team reported earlier today (12:49 pm, 24 January) that the agent of the 25-year-old admitted over the weekend that the Hammers tabled a loan bid for him earlier in January.
However, it would take a more interesting project from the one at Flamengo to lure Barbosa into leaving the side before the January transfer window shuts.
The Good Morning Transfers team said on Sky Sports: “Gabriel Barbosa is the man they have targeted. The former Brazilian wonderkid who went to Inter earlier in his career, and while it didn’t quite work out, his stock is now high again,
“West Ham came in with a loan deal at the beginning of January, with an 18-month loan option, with a view to a permanent move.
“It’s interesting, his agent came out at the weekend that look, “an offer did come in, the player is happy at Flamengo, but he will only move back to Europe for a project that is bigger than the one currently at Flamengo, so, basically, “sell me a vision. I won’t just sign for any other club”.
“That’s the message coming out from Brazil for Gabriel Barbosa, so, yea, the striker is still very much what West Ham are after.”
Not happening?
The Hammers are pushing for a top-four finish and could end 2021-22 with silverware, but it appears Gabigol is not yet convinced about them.
Having won the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in 2019 and emerging as the best player and highest goal scorer in South America’s version of the Champions League, the striker would love to join a side that can challenge for the major honours in Europe, and despite their potential, David Moyes’ side do not look capable of that right now.
They are not likely to be winning the Premier League or Champions League anytime soon, and it appears that is the type of club Barbosa wants to join.
Whether such clubs want him remains to be seen after his struggles in Europe last time out, and things could get interesting in the summer if he keeps impressing.
West Ham could still have a chance by then, depending on how they finish 2021-22, but it does not seem they have enough pulling power to lure him to the London Stadium right now.
In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.
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