Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa is reportedly prepared to join Newcastle United in January, with Eddie Howe keen on attacking reinforcements.
If a report from 90 min is to be believed, Newcastle United have received a major boost in their pursuit of Gabriel Barbosa. The Magpies are keen on bolstering their attacking options in January after being taken over by the Saudi Arabia-backed consortium. They had even held talks with the 25-year-old Flamengo forward, exploring the possibility of a mid-season transfer.
It appears the response has been positive, with Barbosa prepared to join the Newcastle United camp this month. Better known as Gabigol, the Brazilian striker has no issues with Newcastle United’s position in the Premier League table. He is even willing to help the club stave off relegation during the second half of the campaign, although he is also in talks with West Ham United.
A product of the famed Santos youth academy, Gabigol has been one of the top performers in the Brazilian top-flight since his move to Flamengo in early 2019. In just three years, the attacker has scored 84 goals in 124 matches while providing 26 assists.
His contributions in front of goal have helped Flamengo win back to back titles in the Brazilian Serie A. He also won the Copa Libertadores in the 2018/19 season. The 25-year-old was the competition’s top scorer in the most recent Libertadores campaign as well, although Flamengo ended up losing to Palmeiras in the final.
Nevertheless, Gabigol’s redemption at Flamengo has put Newcastle United on red alert. Eddie Howe believes the forward can add the much-needed quality in the strike force, competing with Callum Wilson and Joelinton for a place in the starting eleven.
The Magpies are already closing in on the capture of Kieran Trippier, who is set to become the first signing of the Saudi Arabia-backed regime. And it appears Howe is prepared to make Gabigol his second big buy, as the former Bournemouth manager looks to rebuild the team in the ongoing January transfer window.
In addition to the Brazilian, Newcastle United have expressed interest in a few other attacking options. They are even eyeing a shock €20 million swoop for Gareth Bale, whereas the Welshman’s Real Madrid teammate Marco Asensio could be another alternative in the club’s bid to reinforce their attacking department this month.
