This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Transfers may not be at the height of Everton’s agenda right now but it must soon come to the forefront of their minds with January edging ever closer.
The first task for Farhad Moshiri and Marcel Brands will surely be determining what to do with Marco Silva.
The Toffees are on the verge of facing a torrid run which sees them face off against some of the top sides in the division. Therefore, bringing in a new manager during that period could seem harsh on any newly appointed figure.
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Flamengo boss Jorge Jesus is one of the latest names to be linked with taking over from Silva, but it’s a player currently learning his trade at the same side that could well arrive at Goodison Park too.
On loan at the Copa Libertadores champions is Gabriel Barbosa and Everton are still thought to be admirers of the striker according to The Daily Mail.
However, there could be a stumbling block in any potential plans to sign him. Such is his impact at Flamengo – scoring 31 goals in 2019, that they hope to sign him permanently from Inter Milan.
A player with that record is certainly eye-catching and when Everton are in need of goals, he could be the answer.
Since Romelu Lukaku left, the Toffees have struggled to replicate his fabulous goalscoring touch. Via WhoScored, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have bagged just three each this term while Cenk Tosun has only one.
Barbosa would certainly provide extra help but it’s difficult to suggest he could the eternal answer to their woes in front of goal.
After all, Gabigol has already flopped considerably in Europe and wasn’t up to the speed of Italian football. He has played just ten times for Inter, scoring once. That points to a player who isn’t cut out for the European game.
The great Pele offered similar sentiments about the 23-year-old earlier this month. Speaking to Gazetta dello Sport, via Calcio Mercato, he said: “He made himself known in the Santos shirt, he went to Europe, he came back. He is a good player, I hope he has luck but it cannot be guaranteed that he will make it in Europe.”
If one of the best players to have graced the planet argues that, then who are we to argue?
Everton are in need of someone to score goals on a consistent level, and although Gabigol has done so regularly in Brazil, he’s yet to achieve the same level of success in Europe.
The Toffees would be wise to stay away in the future.
In other news, check out what Everton fans have been saying about one of Silva’s potential successors..
