According to Mirror, as cited by Express, Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Gabriel Barbosa as they continue their search for a new forward. The Inter Milan forward has returned to Europe following an extraordinary loan spell at Flamengo. The Italian outfit has already placed a €25 million asking fee for Barbosa, who is being considered as an ideal alternative for Harry Kane.
In this article, however, we will discuss three reasons why Spurs must not make a move for Barbosa this January.
Barbosa has failed in Europe
Gabriel initially rose to prominence back in 2016, when he joined Inter Milan in a €30 million move from Santos. But, he was unable to replicate his performances in the Serie A, featuring in just 111 minutes of league football during his debut campaign in Italy.
As a result, he moved to Benfica on loan in 2017. But, the Brazilian once again struggled to crack the first-team, ending up making only one LIGA NOS appearance. His struggles at Benfica saw his loan spell cut short as he returned to Inter in January 2018 before being signed by his former club Santos.
Since returning to Brazil, Gabrigol has fired on all cylinders. However, his failure to perform in the European leagues raises doubts over his capability and as to whether or not he will be able to integrate to the faster-paced nature of the Premier League.
He is not an ideal fit
Gabrigol is generally known for his incredible control on the ball and link up with his fellow teammates. Moreover, he can get back and initiate passing sequence in the final third, which is an excellent characteristic for any striker in modern football. However, Tottenham’s Lucas Moura can more or less offer the same, if he gets deployed in a central role.
With Kane currently out injured, Jose Mourinho must find someone who can directly replace the English international. Gabriel, in that respect, is not a like for like alternative for the Tottenham number nine as far as the style of play is concerned. His technically gifted nature might not exactly tune in well Mourinho’s defence-oriented system.
There are other options available
Gabrigol isn’t the only option available to Tottenham Hotspur as far as signing a new forward is concerned. The Lilywhites have been recently linked with a move for AC Milan starlet Krzysztof Piatek, who is arguably a better option given his goalscoring potential and the fact that he has already impressed in one of the top five leagues in Europe.
Another exciting option is Mario Gotze of Borussia Dortmund. The German international has struggled under Lucien Favre with a lack of game-time. A move away from Dortmund could be beneficial for the attacker and Tottenham, in that regard, would be an ideal destination.
