Marcelo Teixeira addresses Gabriel Barbosa future at Santos | OneFootball

Santos president Marcelo Teixeira said on Monday the club will open talks to keep Gabriel Barbosa beyond this year, while noting the election period could influence the striker’s decision. The forward is on loan from Cruzeiro until the end of the year.

Teixeira said starting negotiations is the board’s duty regardless of who becomes the next president, highlighting Barbosa’s strong bond with the club. He recently told Fui Clear it would be difficult to remain at Santos for financial reasons.

Santos attempted a permanent deal at the start of the year, but could not meet Cruzeiro’s demands. Teixeira believes the player’s identification with the club and its supporters could help any extension.

He added that Barbosa has been able to relive good moments back at the club, drawing a parallel with Neymar. The board, he said, will do its part up to a limit, then wait for the election outcome before deciding on any contract continuations.

Those earlier remarks prompted criticism on social media, after which the number nine posted a video to clarify his stance. Barbosa’s Cruzeiro contract runs until the end of 2028. He is Santos’ top scorer and assist provider this season with 21 goals and 10 assists in 42 games, and is the club’s third-highest scorer in the post Pelé era as well as the sixth-highest in the Brasileirão.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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