Why Gabriel Barbosa would be a brilliant fit at West Ham

Back in December, a report from The Guardian had claimed that West Ham were interested in signing Gabriel Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, from Inter Milan. The 23-year-old was then on loan at Santos and had scored 18 goals in 35 appearances in his second spell at the club.

Barbosa has been in sensational form since joining Flamengo on loan in January from Inter, scoring 36 goals in 50 appearances for the club.

With the Brazilian firing goals left, right and centre at Flamengo – and while he flopped spectacularly at the San Siro – his remarkable goalscoring record since returning to South America on loan cannot be underestimated.

Keeping that in mind, West Ham must reignite their interest and lure him to the London Stadium in January.

The Hammers broke their transfer record by signing Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer. After starting really well, Haller has gone off the boil and that has affected West Ham’s play in the final third.

The Frenchman is left isolated more often than not, with creative players like Felipe Anderson, Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini not producing much.

Manuel Pellegrini’s club did sign Albian Ajeti from FC Basel but the young striker has disappointed. The West Ham boss would do well by providing more assistance to Haller and Gabriel Barbosa is capable of being a good fit at the London Stadium.

Barbosa has been prolific lately, with his goalscoring abilities being a huge contrast from how he played for Inter. He has regained his mojo, scoring goals freely and lighting up stadiums in Brazil on a weekly basis.

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The 23-year-old has developed into a well-rounded attacker and he would be a great option to support Haller in the West Ham attack. In fact, the two would dovetail perfectly for West Ham and they are both at an age where they could play together.

Verdict

Barbosa has the potential to be a success in the Premier League. He may have been through a wretched past in Europe but going by his goalscoring exploits in the last 12-15 months in Brazil, West Ham would be wise to take a punt on the 23-year-old forward.