Gabigol returns to Santos on season-long loan from Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Santos have re-signed forward Gabigol from Cruzeiro, announcing on Saturday morning that he has joined on loan for one season. The academy graduate returns after eight years away.

Talks had run since the end of last year, with the 29-year-old keen on a comeback. The move required the clubs to align finances, and Gabigol faced limited minutes under Tite at Cruzeiro, where his salary exceeded R$ 2.5 million.

The deal follows Santos agreeing a one-year extension with Neymar until the end of this year.

Gabigol previously made 210 appearances for Santos, scoring 84 goals and providing 13 assists. He led the Brasileirão scoring in 2018 with 18 goals, was a three-time Copa do Brasil top scorer, and won the Paulista in 2015 and 2016.

Away from Santos he enjoyed a standout spell at Flamengo between 2019 and 2024, lifting the Libertadores twice, the Brasileiro twice, the Copa do Brasil twice, the Supercopa do Brasil twice, the Recopa in 2020, and the Carioca four times.

He joined Cruzeiro last year on a contract running to 2028, ending the season with 49 games, 13 goals and four assists.

At Santos he could link up with Neymar, the pair having played together for the club only once, in the 2013 Brasileiro opener.

Source: Globo.com