Palmeiras held talks with Gabriel Jesus before Barça deal: inside story | OneFootball

Striker Gabriel Jesus, who came through at Palmeiras, moved to Barcelona in this transfer window after a spell at Arsenal. Verdão never hid its interest in bringing him back and kept talking to the player until days before his deal with the Spanish club was finalized.

Palmeiras waited for Gabriel Jesus’ decision

NOSSO PALESTRA learned that Palmeiras kept informal talks with Gabriel Jesus until the days leading up to the striker’s agreement with Barcelona. The Academy graduate was in an uncertain situation at Arsenal and was waiting for offers from European clubs.

The player always made it clear to Verdão’s board that his preference was to remain in Europe for a few more seasons. In the view of the club’s hierarchy, staying at Arsenal could change his career plans, and a deal could still happen in this transfer window.

However, Barcelona made an offer and secured the signing of Gabriel Jesus. After the deal was completed, Palmeiras was told that the striker’s wish is to return to Brazil in two years.

Gabriel Jesus’ dream of returning to Verdão

In an interview with ESPN in May, Gabriel Jesus spoke about his desire to return to Palmeiras in the future.

– I think about it every day, I follow the club. I watched yesterday’s match, unfortunately they lost. It’s my dream, I’ve already made it clear that one day I’ll come back, I just don’t know when, whether it’s today or tomorrow, so yes, I think about it every day – he said

– The future belongs to God. It’s a club I care about deeply, I’m a passionate supporter, I’ve said it many times, and when I return to Brazil, my choice will always be Palmeiras – he added

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.