Gabigol ends Santos number nine uncertainty amid wider calls for reinforcements | OneFootball

Santos still have gaps elsewhere, but centre forward looks settled after Gabigol’s arrival, with the shirt and role now his.

According to Globo.com, he has three Paulistão appearances and two goals, securing the win over Novorizontino in the opener and a last-minute draw against Corinthians.

Since 2024, when Marcelo Teixeira became president, Santos have used nine centre forwards and even improvised with Thaciano and Neymar.

Julio Furch and Alfredo Morelos, holdovers from the previous regime, barely featured and strained the club’s finances. Willian Bigode, Wendel Silva and Enzo Monteiro were used during the 2024 Série B campaign.

Deivid Washington arrived last year to take a similar role but never established himself. Tiquinho Soares was signed with some fanfare in a deal with Botafogo, fluctuated and is close to leaving, returning seven goals in 40 games in 2025/26.

Luca Meirelles briefly became a fans’ favourite before a move to Ukrainian football cut short his run. Lautaro Diaz has contributed tactically, though technically short of the mark, with three goals in 19 games, and is now Gabigol’s back-up.

With so many other issues to address, Gabigol looks a secure choice for the season. How he pairs with Neymar remains to be seen, with the forward close to returning to training on the pitch.

Source: Globo.com