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Is Gabigol a South American risk too far for West Ham?

By Scott Johnson

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JUNE 13: Gabriel Barbosa of Santos reacts during the match between Fluminense and Santos as part of Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Maracana Stadium on June 13, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Loureiro/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JUNE 13: Gabriel Barbosa of Santos reacts during the match between Fluminense and Santos as part of Brasileirao Series A 2018 at Maracana Stadium on June 13, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Loureiro/Getty Images) /
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West Ham are reportedly interested in bringing Brazilian striker Gabigol to East London. With the chairmen’s penchant for South American players, is this a good move? Or just a fashionable one?

There has long been a desire for South American players in the Premier League. Their showings at World Cups and the likes of Pele and Maradonna have entranced generations of footballers, as well as arguably the greatest of all time Messi hailing from there as well. The owners of West Ham are also well known for their desire to pick up the next South American star as well. So our link to Gabigol is no surprise.

The Brazilian striker has played 4 times for the national side, scoring twice. He is currently an Inter Milan player, and will return there from Santos where he has spent the Brazilian season on loan, scoring 18 goals in 35 league appearances. Is this a risk worth taking for the Hammers?

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With 4 strikers in the current squad, all either at full fitness or nearly, so adding another isn’t exactly at the top of our list. Perez and Chicharito are in good form, Carroll always causes issues, Arnie is Arnie and will be back in two weeks and even Antonio is doing well up top. So it does seem a little superfluous unless we’re thinking of moving one or two on.

He’s not had much experience of European leagues, so those saying he’s flopped are a little premature. He’s 22 years old and has a lot to learn, but he clearly has talent in his feet. Although the Brazilian league isn’t exactly stellar throughout in terms of quality scoring a goal every 2 games is always pretty tough. And one of our star performers this season, Balbuena, was brought in directly from the Brazilian league. Despite a shaky opening, he’s adjusted very well.

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If the deal, as rumoured, is for an initial loan with an option to buy in the summer I’m interested. But only on purely footballing terms. I am still not convinced in any way that it will help the squad balance in its current form, and if this deal progresses I would assume a striker is on their way out. Antonio or Chicharito? Perez is unlikely to leave given his signing only 6 months ago. Would Pellegrini sanction a move that could upset the squad?