EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jed Leicester/Shutterstock (14039932al) Raul Jimenez of Fulham celebrates scoring the opening goal with Bobby De Cordova Reid Fulham v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Pre Season Friendly, Football, Craven Cottage, London, UK - 05 Aug 2023
Crystal Palace and Fulham, both Premier League clubs, are reportedly interested in signing Flamengo goal-machine Gabriel Barbosa in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa is still being courted by numerous European clubs and could have “the opportunity to return to European football” in January, with Crystal Palace and Fulham keen to sign him.
Gabriel Barbosa, nicknamed “Gabigol” in his native Brazil after breaking onto the limelight as a teen sensation, joined Inter from Santos in 2016. He struggled to settle in Italy, playing only a few of appearances in his rookie season and then disappointed on a loan move to Benfica.
After returning to his home country with Santos in January, he was revitalized and hitting goals for joy in 2018. After another productive season in Brazilian Serie A, this time with Flamengo, he signed a permanent contract with the Maracana in January 2020.
Gabigol has been linked to a number of English clubs in recent transfer windows, with whispers that he wants to play in the Premier League. Indeed, the 27-year-old Brazilian’s goal contribution figure at Flamengo — 139 goals and 38 assists in 240 games — demonstrates that he can be a valuable addition at any team if he thrives.
Crystal Palace and Fulham have been linked with him ahead of the January transfer window. According to the source, the striker’s time at Flamengo may be coming to an end in the forthcoming transfer season, especially after their exit from the Copa Libertadores, which increases the likelihood of him accepting an appealing offer from Europe.
Fulham have been left without a marquee goal-scorer with the departure of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal for a reputed £43 million. Raul Jimenez, a £5 million summer signing from Wolves, has done well; he’s good on the ball, gets into the right positions, and works hard.
However, despite starting a number of games, the Mexican international hasn’t scored a goal in the Premier League in 18 months and lacks confidence in front of goal, while Carlos Vinicius has fallen out of favor under Marco Silva. Gabigol could be a wise signing for the Cottagers. His track record in Brazil speaks for itself, and Silva is known for bringing out the best in ex-players.
For Crystal Palace, Odsonne Edouard has had a blistering start to the new season, and he could be on his way to fulfilling his Premier League potential. However, in his first two seasons at Palace, the Frenchman only scored 11 league goals.
Even if Roy Hodgson insists on keeping Edouard as his main man up front for the time being, the Eagles may benefit from someone with Barbosa’s pedigree and all-round style of play, which would get the best out of their wide men.
