Premier League sides Aston Villa and Newcastle United are reportedly tracking Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.
According to 90min, Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa is attracting interest from multiple European clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Wolverhampton Wanderers are also in line to hold discussions for the centre-forward’s transfer, with Turkish side Fenerbahce also keeping tabs.
A Santos youth product, Barbosa, also known as Gabigol, moved to Europe with Inter Milan in 2016 but couldn’t cement a spot in the starting lineup. He was loaned out to Benfica, where he spent underwhelming six months before returning to Santos for the rest of the 2017/18 season, where he scored 18 goals in 35 league matches.
Flamengo snapped him up on a temporary basis for the 2019 season, and he repaid their faith by scoring 25 league goals for them in just 29 matches, along with nine assists. He also finished the top scorer of the Copa Libertadores with nine goals as Flamengo romped up to the title in the South American continental competition.
Gabigol continued to provide the goods for Flamengo, whom he joined permanently from the 2020 season onwards, and has now totalled 101 goals for them in 155 appearances across competitions. The 25-year-old led them to the Libertadores final in 2021, scoring 11 goals as the Brazilian side finished runners-up despite his goal in the final.
With under two years remaining on his contract with Flamengo, Barbosa was a subject of interest from Wolves in the January transfer window, along with Newcastle, West Ham United and Aston Villa, but Flamengo were not willing to sell.
Wolves have retained their interest since January, with their chief scout Matthew Hobbs travelling to Brazil to discuss a possible move. Aston Villa and Newcastle United, both of whom are eager to strengthen on multiple fronts, are also keeping tabs on the striker.
Aston Villa have already completed four signings in the window, and a centre-forward is next on their list. With Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins failing to fire on all cylinders last season, Steven Gerrard’s side could make do with additional firepower up top, making Gabriel Barbosa a viable target.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have permanently signed Matt Targett from the Villans, but are actively looking for additions in other positions as well. While talks for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike continue, the Magpies have encountered some complications in pursuit of the French ace, prompting them to keep their options open. And, Barbosa has emerged as a possible option for Newcastle.
But with Wolves already planning to initiate talks, both Aston Villa and Newcastle might have a lot of catching up to do if they are serious about signing Gabigol this summer.
