Gabigol is coming back to Italy and Inter Milan

Gabriel Barbosa has been somewhat of an enigma in the eyes of Inter Milan fans.

After coming to the Meazza under some fanfare — just like Joao Mario — Gabigol seemed to simply flame out and lose any spot he might have had to be productive for the Nerazzurri.

But, since a loan out to Benfica in Portugal and Santos in Brazil, Barbosa has seen a resurgence in his career.

Photo by Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images

Over the last two seasons, Barbosa has tallied 20 goals between the two clubs, including three multiple-goal matches with Santos.

Now that loan spell has come to an end and Barbosa will make his return to Inter Milan.

Just how long that return will last is still up for some debate.

Recently, Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio told Calciomercato that while Gabigol will return, there is no place on the roster for him.

”Gabigol will be back, but I let his agents know that for the next six months, he will not have any space. We will find the best solution together with him,” Piero Ausilio stated.

While requests for his services have come into Milan, they have originated from Brazilian side Flamengo. The problem there is that Flamengo won’t likely be able to pick up the price tag for Barbosa that Inter is seeking.

His current market value, according to Transfermarkt.com, is hovering around €8 million. Inter would likely want to get between €10-€15 million for the former U-17 World Cup winner and that is most likely beyond what a team like Flamengo would be able to pay.

So, that leaves a likely landing place to be somewhere in Europe.

According to Sky Italia, West Ham United has made enquiries about Barbosa and would likely be the best fit for the price.

And West Ham loves Portuguese-speaking players with ties to Inter Milan. Remember Joao Mario?

Mario went on loan to the Hammers last season and while it wasn’t the most productive spell, there was talk they wanted to pick up the option on Mario, but the price was out of reach.

Now, I like Gabigol, but his personality and position is not really a fit for this Nerazzurri squad, so I can’t really blame Ausilio for remarking there isn’t a place for him on the roster.

With Mauro Icardi, Lautaro Martinez, Matteo Politano and Radja Nainggolan, Inter has plenty of striking options, leaving Gabigol to ride the pine as it were.

So, any hopes of seeing Gabigol in an Inter jersey on the pitch seem to be fading as we get closer to the January transfer window.

What do you think? Post your comments below!