---
title: "West Ham: Journalist backs Hammers to sign Gabigol"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-journalist-backs-hammers-to-sign-gabigol/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2022-01-07T17:40:01Z"
modified: "2022-01-07T17:40:01Z"
---

# West Ham: Journalist backs Hammers to sign Gabigol

**West Ham could sign Flamengo striker Gabigol in an exciting initial loan deal in the [January transfer window](https://www.givemesport.com/1754870-january-transfer-window-2022-when-does-it-open-when-does-it-close-and-which-players-are-going-to-move), according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.**

### The Lowdown: Gabigol shines in Brazil

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a hugely impressive career in his homeland of Brazil, being lauded by one of his country’s all-time great players, Zico, who claimed the striker has ‘[everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2021/03/01/gabigol-has-everything-to-be-the-greatest-striker-in-flamengos-history-flamengo-legend-has-high-praise-for-striker-gabriel-barbosa/)’.

Gabigol has [scored 84 goals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/gabriel-barbosa/alletore/spieler/244275) in just 124 appearances for Flamengo, not to mention netting five times in 17 caps for Brazil.

West Ham have been [linked](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1478107423932092421?s=20) with an audacious January move for the striker with Sky Sports even [claiming](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/12508492/gabriel-barbosa-west-ham-hold-talks-over-signing-flamengo-striker-nicknamed-gabigol) talks have started, and a fresh update has now emerged regarding their pursuit of him.

\[freshpress-poll id=”378392″\]

### The Latest: Journalist backs move

Speaking to [*Give Me Sport*](https://www.givemesport.com/1814829-west-ham-transfer-news-fresh-update-emerges-how-david-moyes-can-sign-gabigol-this-month), O’Rourke hinted at a potential temporary move then becoming permanent in the summer:

> “I’m sure they’re talking to Flamengo to see if they could try and work out a deal where it’s an initial loan with an obligation to buy.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”375613″\]

### The Verdict: Hugely exciting target

Gabigol could feel like a significant signing for the Hammers, considering his stature in the game and his aforementioned success at Flamengo.

Granted, he has already had two failed spells in Europe – he scored [just one goal apiece](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/gabriel-barbosa/alletore/spieler/244275) during short stints at Inter Milan and Benfica – but he has since matured as a player and could be ready for a new challenge.

It is vital that West Ham sign someone to ease the burden on Michail Antonio between now and January, ensuring genuine top-four and Europa League challenges are mounted.

***In other news, some West Ham fans are excited about another transfer claim. Read more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-transfer-rumours/west-ham-united-jesse-lingard-update-latest-news-whufc-manchester-united-transfer-gossip-moyes-lingard/).***