Gabigol left for Italy in 2016.
But he managed to make only nine appearances and score one goal for the Nerazzurri.
Flamengo President Rodolfo Landim claims they have “reached a preliminary agreement” with Inter Milan to purchase Gabriel Barbosa outright. The 23-year-old has truly rediscovered his form in Brazil with 34 goals in 41 competitive games in 2019, taking Flamengo to the Brazilian league title and the Copa Libertadores. His loan from Inter is due to expire on December 31, with Premier League clubs interested in making a swoop.
“Flamengo have been talking to Gabigol for a long time and we also spoke to Inter, agreeing a preliminary deal, but it all depends on what Gabigol wants to do”, Landim told Fox Sports. “He asked to discuss it at the end of the season and I see nothing wrong with that. Gabigol was very concentrated during the Libertadores final and we saw what he can do, so it is good that he remains so focused.”
Inter Milan had originally paid €29.5 million to sign Gabriel from Santos in 2016, but he flopped in Europe, including a loan spell at Benfica, before returning to Brazil on loan with Flamengo in January 2018. Now the Italian side is expected to sell him back to Flamengo on a permanent basis for a sum of €20 million according to a report from Brazilian news outlet UOL Esporte.
The Brazilian striker, who has scored a sensational 42 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions, has been with the Rio de Janeiro based club since the beginning of the year on loan and made a significant contribution as they won both the Brazilian Serie A and Copa Libertadores. A historic treble is also on the cards with Flamengo due to participate in the Club World Cup in the coming weeks.
SEE ALSO:
- Injured Inter Milan duo Stefano Sensi & Roberto Gagliardini to miss key games
- Inter Milan rising star Nicolo Barella to undergo knee surgery
- Napoli exodus leader Dries Mertens to join rival Inter Milan in January or June
