West Ham have reportedly seen a loan offer for Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa rejected.
The Hammers are believed to be pursuing a deal for the 25-year-old in the January window and could return with an improved offer.
However, according to a report from UOL, as cited by Sport Witness on Twitter, the Irons’ initial bid was promptly rebuffed and branded as ‘absurd’ in passing.
Gabriel Barbosa | ‘Uncertainty’ around West Ham’s next move for striker – First offer rejected, entourage waitinghttps://t.co/lGW1yuJKhl #whufc #coyi
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) January 5, 2022
The report claims that West Ham tried to sign the 17-cap Brazil ace on loan until the summer of 2023 whilst paying a €6million (£5million) fee.
During the 2020/21 season, the man known simply as Gabigol scored 29 times and provided nine assists in 43 appearances for the Brazilian top-flight club.
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Valued at £23.4million and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), it’s perhaps of little surprise the initial low ball offer was rejected.
Now there is said to be ‘uncertainty’ as to whether the East Londoners will return with an improved offer for the ex-Inter Milan man.
A lethal finisher with experience of playing in Europe, West Ham won’t find many better options during this transfer window and should go all out for Barbosa up to a point.
Either on loan or as a permanent arrival, the Brazilian has the track record to excite supporters and potentially light up the Premier League.
