West Ham could be about to complete ‘perfect move’ for Barbosa after Sky’s £25m update – pundit
An 18-month loan for Gabriel Barbosa could be the “perfect move” for West Ham, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the “excitement” of a Premier League move could “get the best” out of the 25-year-old.
According to Sky Sports (13 January), West Ham’s offer to loan Flamengo striker Barbosa for 18 months remains on the table after initial talks earlier this month.
The report suggests the Irons want to include a £25million option to buy in the deal, with the Brazil international apparently keen on the move.
Whelan insisted an 18-month spell could give Barbosa the opportunity to better bed in at the London Stadium.
“It could be the perfect move, absolutely,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“It’s not just a six-month loan, it’s 18 months – so you’re giving the player that opportunity to settle down in that new environment, new club, new league.
“It’s never easy when you’ve got players moving from Europe, let alone South America. But this will give him enough time to bed into the team, get to know everyone, move into the area.
“Hopefully the excitement of London and the Premier League will be enough to bring out the best in Barbosa.
“He must have something really special for David Moyes to want to put the trust in him and bring him to West Ham.”
17-cap Brazil international Barbosa, dubbed ‘Gabigol’ for his scoring exploits, has netted 84 goals in 123 games for current club Flamengo.
At present, Michail Antonio is the only natural senior striker on the books at West Ham.
The Irons sit fourth in the Premier League after 21 games.
In other news, pundit predicts West Ham working to sign superstar after Moyes reveal.