Newcastle United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa, according to Lee Ryder for Chronicle Live.
The lowdown: Magpies interested
Last month, a report from 90min claimed that the Magpies were among the clubs keen on signing Barbosa this summer as sporting director Dan Ashworth and head of recruitment Steve Nickson look to enhance the firepower at Eddie Howe’s disposal next season.
Having previously struggled in Europe during a short-lived 10-game spell at Inter Milan, the 25-year-old Brazilian hitman has reinvented himself back in his homeland and now boasts a remarkable 148 career goals in 298 professional outings.
Now, the Toon may have been dealt some encouragement in their attempts to bring Barbosa to St James’ Park…
The latest: ‘Keen on a move’
As per Ryder, the Chief Newcastle United Writer for the Chronicle Live, Barbosa is now believed to be ‘keen on a move’ to the North East.
It’s claimed that the 18-cap Brazil ace is a ‘long-term target’ at Newcastle and representatives are ‘open to continuing discussions’ regarding the potential switch.
However, the report does also state that the transfer priorities may lie elsewhere for Howe and co, with the man hailed for his involvements in the ‘decisive’ moments of matches by legendary compatriot Adriano ‘not as high as other targets’ on the list.
The verdict: No brainer
Currently in the midst of an ongoing 2021/22 campaign, Barbosa – known by his nickname Gabigol – has scored 19 times and provided two assists in 36 appearances so far across all competitions. highlighting his current clinical eye for goal.
Valued at £23.4m (Transfermarkt), any move for the prolific frontman would be an expensive one for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF), but also a transfer that would signify the early intentions of the club in its new guise, as Howe is in need of additional options to support the misfiring Chris Wood and an injury-prone Callum Wilson.
Already boasting a packed trophy cabinet full of team and individual honours, the decorated Brazilian would be returning to Europe with a point to prove and hungrier than ever, a lethal combination that could see Newcastle get the best from the maverick attacker.
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