Brazilian star must be patient
GABRIEL Barbosa is keen on a move to Newcastle United but could have to play the waiting game to see if he can win his dream move to the Premier League.
The Flamengo star has been a long-term target of the Magpies but must watch on from South America to see what develops with other targets as Newcastle look closely at Moussa Diaby and Dominic Calvert-lewin. There were brief discussions about Barbosa in January when a six-month loan option and £17m permanent deal was mooted.
Now The Chronicle understands that Barbosa’s representatives are open to continuing discussions on the player although there is realism in the player’s camp as far as other potential targets are concerned.
With the Brazilian Serie A season in full swing, Barbosa is currently trying to improve Flamengo’s eighth-place position.
Those close to Barbosa say that the striker has a real hunger to silence a few critics in Europe.
At 23, Barbosa was branded a flop by the Italian media after scoring just once in Serie A in the 2016/17 season following a €29.5m move from Santos.
United’s current number 9 Callum Wilson seems certain to start the season as the club’s first-choice striker, while Chris Wood is also keen to add goals to his tally after just two strikes after a big money move from Burnley.
But Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth know that more of a goal threat will be needed in the new season.
Barbosa remains interested but, despite the fact he has almost 150 goals in Brazilian football, and is a player that head of recruitment Steve Nickson knows all about, he has to accept he is not as high as other targets on Howe’s list.