Santos' Angelo Gabriel in action with Flamengo's Ayrton Lucas and Pablo
Nottingham Forest are reportedly ‘in talks’ with Santos youngster Angelo Gabriel over a move to the City Ground before the end of the January transfer window.
The Lowdown: Gabriel an exciting youngster
The 18-year-old has emerged as an exciting Brazilian talent, catching the eye with some of his attacking performances in his homeland. He already has 101 senior appearances to his name for Santos, despite only entering his adult years last month, and he has registered 12 goal contributions in that time.
Recent reports have suggested that Forest are hoping to sign the forward this month, and they have since set the wheels in motion over a potential transfer.
The Latest: Forest ‘in talks’ over Gabriel move
According to The Daily Mail, Forest remain ‘in talks’ with Gabriel and his representatives over a transfer to the City Ground, with Newcastle United mentioned as previously showing an interest.
The Magpies even had a £22m bid rejected for him before, but it now looks as though the Reds could be in pole position to bring him to England.
[freshpress-quiz id=”292844″]
The Verdict: One for the long-term
Gabriel has the potential to be an intriguing signing by Forest if they secure a move for him, coming in as a player with a high ceiling who won six caps for Brazil’s under-16s.
Santos have a rich history of producing great Brazilian players, from Pele to Neymar, and if Gabriel could get anywhere near their heights at the City Ground, Steve Cooper would have a superstar on his hands. Indeed, the 18-year-old’s former coach Betinho has said that he “is like Neymar in terms of his dribbling at speed and his change of direction”.
Expecting Gabriel to reach the level of Brazil’s joint-record goalscorers is a big ask, but to have surpassed 100 appearances at senior club level at his age is a testament to the standards he has already reached.
[freshpress-poll id=”405077″]
About the Author
