Barcelona are reportedly closely monitoring Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa, valued at around €26 million by Flamengo.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Gabriel Barbosa is the subject of interest from Barcelona over a possible move in a future transfer window. The Brazilian striker is also a target for Newcastle United and is valued at around €26 million by Flamengo.
Gabriel Barbosa has resurrected his stuttering career since joining Flamengo from Inter Milan. Initially signed on a season-long loan deal in January 2019, the 25-year-old moved to the Rio de Janeiro-based club permanently in January 2020 and has not looked back since.
Fondly called Gabigol, the striker has amassed 84 goals and 26 assists in 124 appearances for Flamengo. As a result, he has regained his place in the Brazilian national squad. At the same time, Gabigol has also emerged on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Barcelona.
The Catalan giants are desperately scouring the market for a striker following Sergio Aguero’s premature retirement. After arriving at Camp Nou on a free transfer last summer, the Argentine legend was seen as a short-term solution but has been forced to call time on his glittering career due to a heart ailment.
Aguero’s retirement has left Xavi Hernandez with Martin Braithwaite and Luuk de Jong as the only natural strikers at his disposal. With neither player being a reliable customer in the final third when spearheading the attack week in week out, it behoves Barcelona to invest in a striker as soon as possible.
To that end, the La Liga heavyweights have been linked with several strikers, with Alvaro Morata reportedly primed to join them on a loan deal this month. However, Barcelona must also think of the long-term issues in the squad, with Erling Haaland their priority target.
But with the Borussia Dortmund striker being the most coveted player in the transfer market, Barcelona will have to keep their options open, making Gabigol a viable target. Signing the Brazilian striker will not set the Blaugrana back by much, with Flamengo demanding around €26 million to part with him.
However, Gabigol is also a target for Newcastle United, meaning Barcelona will need to launch an offensive quickly to secure his services in a potential €26 million deal. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Brazilian striker as he continues to go from strength to strength for Flamengo.
