OPINION
There’s little arguing with the fact that West Ham United need some attacking help come the January transfer window, with little depth behind club record signing Sebastien Haller.
The Frenchman has been superb since his big money move from Eintracht Frankfurt, but Michail Antonio is out injured and Albian Ajeti doesn’t seem to be trusted by manager Manuel Pellegrini.
It makes sense, then, that the club are still looking at a long-term transfer target in Inter Milan striker Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa, with FC Inter News reporting last month that the Hammers remain interested in the Brazilian.
However, a report from Passione Inter earlier this week claimed that the Irons’ Premier League rivals Crystal Palace are eyeing the 23-year-old, with a £25million deal mooted by the publication.
While attacking help is much-needed at the London Stadium, a January swoop for Barbosa makes absolutely no sense. Claret & Hugh reported this week that Pellegrini is looking for a new striker in the winter transfer window, but that he will most probably target a loan deal.
The Chilean spent big once again this summer, with the colossal Haller fee the most glaring example of that. However, he also spent big money on Pablo Fornals and a smaller chunk on Ajeti as well. Now, though, it seems like he wants an upgrade on the Switzerland international.
Would Barbosa represent that? It’s difficult to say. He’s been lethal in Brazil, but has failed to fire for Inter. As per WhoScored.com, he has bagged 24 goals in 28 games during his current loan spell with Flamengo. However, in Italy his record stands at a measly one goal in 10 games, while a loan spell with Benfica saw him score just once in five outings [Source: Transfermarkt].
So while he’s lethal in his homeland, there is absolutely no evidence that Barbosa can succeed in Europe. Due to that, but mostly because of how much he’d cost, West Ham must leave the young striker to Palace.
