Santos and Gabigol reach agreement, announcement on the way | OneFootball

By JP Cardoso

The return of Gabriel Barbosa to Santos is close to happening. After eight years, the 29-year-old forward is set to join Peixe, following his one-season stint with Cruzeiro. This will be Gabigol's third time at Vila Belmiro, and the parties already have announcements lined up.

The negotiation gained momentum in recent days, especially after Tite's arrival at Cruzeiro. The coach and Gabigol do not have a good relationship, and the forward stated at the end of 2024, after the Copa do Brasil final, that the coach disrespected him at Flamengo.

The information about the preparation of Gabigol's announcement at Santos was investigated by the Gazeta Esportiva report.

Photo: Thaís Magalhães / Cruzeiro

Marcelo Teixeira confirms

In an interview this Friday, coach Marcelo Teixeira confirmed the agreement with Gabigol. The alvinegro leader stated that he expects the forward to undergo medical exams and subsequently sign the contract.

“We are waiting for him (Gabigol) for routine medical exams. It is important that Gabriel has an identity with Santos, and he has always shown this, especially since last year. He is an identified athlete, who by showing this desire to return, demonstrates that he is prepared and determined to help the club in a challenging 2026,” he said.

Struggling at Cruzeiro

At the end of 2025, Gabigol fell out of favor with Cruzeiro fans after missing a penalty in the Copa do Brasil semifinal, leading to elimination against Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena.

Last year, Gabigol was a substitute for Kaio Jorge under Leonardo Jardim's command. The forward contributed 13 goals and four assists in 49 matches played, 23 of which he started.

Adding up Gabigol's two stints at Santos (2013-2016 and 2018), the forward played 206 matches, scoring 83 goals and providing 13 assists.

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