Leicester City received a huge transfer boost regarding Gabriel Barbosa as Inter Milan boss Stefano Pioli recently indicated in a statement that the striker might be allowed to leave this January.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Pioli stated, “I hope to have fewer players, especially in attack. I also value, above all, human relationships. Without the Europa League, the ideal is to coach a group of 23-24 players at most. It’ll be a transitional market for everyone, I don’t think you can change much in January.”
The Foxes have endured a terrible season in their domestic league after winning the title last season. Ranieri’s men are lingering in the bottom half of the league table and have struggled for consistency despite good performances in Europe. And the signing of Barbosa could add some freshness to an under-performing side.
Barbosa only moved to the San Siro last summer after he impressed numerous clubs with his dazzling performances in Brazil for Santos. However, since the move to Europe, he has hardly seen any first team action, getting just one appearance so far, where he failed to get an assist or create any chance. It is exactly why he is now a rich loan prospect across many clubs in Europe. His current season’s stats, however, don’t reflect his potential.
The 20-year-old Brazilian already has 10 national caps. He’s managed 5 goals in those appearances and was a big name in Brazilian football. Last season, he scored 5 times in 11 games for Santos, with a shot accuracy of 63%, which reflects how effective an attacker Ranieri could get in him.
Leicester City are not the only club looking for a short-term deal for the skilled forward as other Serie A sides, Empoli and Genoa, are also interested in landing him. However, Leicester’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, however, gives them a real edge over the rest of the competitors.
However, a common luxury shared by both Leicester and Inter is that both have a plethora of forwards in their squad and Barbosa will face a similar competition in England too. Although Leicester City have 5 centre-forwards at the moment, Barbosa will no doubt be an upgrade to Albrighton on the left wing.
Gabigol could be lethal from the wings as well as from centre forward. He’s a good finisher who is capable of creating chances. His flamboyance, dribbling skills, amazing technique, vision and all-around ability had once predestined the player for a bright future. Leicester’s stint could revive the player.
With Vardy and Mahrez fading away as Leicester’s league campaign progresses, Ranieri could get a new lease of life by this inclusion.
