Manchester United have suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of 27-year-old Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa.
Manchester United have not had the best of starts to the 2023/24 season, and they are looking to make a few signings in the winter transfer window to ensure they can challenge for a spot in the top four. They have identified Gabriel Barbosa as an important transfer target for the short term.
But, they might not be able to get their hands on the 27-year-old as Flamengo’s vice-president Marco Braz has ruled a possible move. Braz has stated that there are “zero chances” of the former Inter Milan striker joining Manchester United.
Barbosa was identified as a top talent quite early in his career, and he left Santos to join Inter Milan in the summer of 2016. Things did not really work out well for him at the Italian club, and he was subject to quite a few loan moves.
In the winter of 2019, he returned to Brazil and joined Flamengo on loan. After a decent first season back in his home country, the Brazilian club made the move permanent in the winter of 2020.
Since returning to Brazil, he has featured in a total of 246 matches and has contributed towards 177 goals. In the 2023 season, he has scored 20 goals in his 55 outings. The 27-year-old has been in fine form, and he is on the radar of Manchester United, who are looking to bolster their attack in the short-term.
They are keen on having Barbosa in their ranks and are ready to offer Antony in return. The 23-year-old winger, who joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2022 for £82 million, has not lived up to the expectations. As a result, they were looking to send him back to Brazil on a short loan and smoothen the process of signing Barbosa.
While Manchester United are keen on having the 27-year-old in their ranks, Marco Braz has made it clear that Flamengo have no intentions of parting ways with him. He still still has another year left on his deal with the Brazilian club, and they want him in their ranks for next season.
