8 Brasileirao Players Who Could Move to Europe in January Window
Another January transfer window is in full swing and the Twitter hashtag #transfers is likely going into overdrive. This vastly exorbitant soap opera must end some day, that day a little nearer with the introduction of Financial Fair Play, so enjoy it while it lasts.
In this corner of the world, players jumping ship for pastures new is familiar ground. Here are eight Brasileirao stars who could, or should, be plying their trade in Europe by February 1.
Lucas Silva
1 of 8
Club: Cruzeiro
Position: Central Midfield
Already linked with a move to European champions Real Madrid at the end of last year, who have had two bids turned down as reported by Globo Esporte (link in Portuguese), Silva is one of the most exciting prospects in the world game.
An astute passer of the ball with a propensity to get forward at speed, he is probably not quite ready for the dizzying heights of the Spanish capital just yet, and may be better served playing in Cruzeiro’s Copa Libertadores campaign in the opening half of 2015.
Paulo Henrique Ganso
2 of 8
Club: Sao Paulo
Position: Playmaker
There was a time when Ganso was linked with some of the biggest names in the Old Continent. However, his career path to date has followed a very different trajectory to fellow Vila Belmiro wonderkid Neymar.
Following a series of knee problems that threatened to completely derail his career, the Goose is rebuilding, and more importantly, refinding, the classy, intelligent form that made him one of the planet’s hottest prospects just a few years ago.
Capable of not just impacting but controlling a game and its tempo, Ganso scored some spectacular goals last term, not to mention clocking up seven assists in the Campeonato Brasileiro, per WhoScored.
A few years later than initially expected, he might finally be ready for a crack at the big time.
Malcom
3 of 8
Club: Corinthians
Position: Forward
One of the breakthrough players in the 2014 campaign, Corinthians frontman Malcom is reputedly already being lined up by European giants Chelsea and Barcelona, as reported by the Mirror.
Rapid on the ball, although still slightly wayward in his finishing, Malcom is already turning himself into an integral part of the Corinthians attack at the tender age of just 17.
It may still be early for the teenager to take the plunge to Europe, and he, like Silva, could benefit from another season or two in his homeland, but he is certainly one to watch for the future.
Marcos Rocha
4 of 8
Club: Atletico Mineiro
Position: Right-back
The best full-back in the Campeonato Brasileiro could be about to bid the Brasileirao goodbye. Marcos Rocha has flirted briefly with the Selecao in recent years and could be about on the verge of a move to Portuguese club FC Porto, as reported by Lancenet (link in Portuguese).
Rocha has enjoyed a successful stint with the Belo Horizonte outfit, lifting the Copa Libertadores in 2013 and the Copa do Brasil this season, when they beat city rivals Cruzeiro to the crown.
However, a spell with Porto, which would mean regular Champions League football, can only help his career progress further.
Marlon
5 of 8
Club: Fluminense
Position: Central defender
Flu’s leaky defence meant they missed out on a Copa Libertadores spot at the end of the season. However, in Marlon, their back line could have a sturdy future.
It has been a tumultuous summer period for Fluminense so far, with prime sponsor Unimed pulling funding, as reported by UOL Esporte (link in Portuguese), and an expected fire sale of top earners.
While Marlon is far below the likes of Fred, Dario Conca and Diego Cavalieri in terms of wages, he could remain an excellent piece of business for Fluminense, who now need to urgently get some money into the club coffers.
Gabriel
6 of 8
Club: Santos
Position: Forward
Known as the next Neymar, the pressure is already on Gabriel, or Gabigol’s, shoulders. And already following in the Brazil captain’s footsteps at Vila Belmiro, the hot prospect could be set to join him at Camp Nou, if rumours are to be believed.
Spanish newspaper Sport—via Globo Esporte (link in Portuguese)—had Gabigol on their front cover last month as the Catalan giants are reportedly interested in making a bid for the young Brazilian. Just two days ago, the Paulista club sold off a proportion of his economic rights, along with team-mates Geuvanio and Daniel Guedes, for R$10 million, as reported by Globo Esporte (link in Portuguese).
If they wish to cash in on their latest prime asset, the 18-year-old could be on a plane to join Neymar sooner rather than later.
Jefferson
7 of 8
Club: Botafogo
Position: Goalkeeper
Current first-choice with the Selecao and following on from Botafogo’s relegation to Serie B, Jefferson’s future would appear firmly pointed towards the exit.
A new contract is on the table but is yet to be signed, and the 31-year-old failed to report for training yesterday as the dispute over monies owed to the international rumbles on, as reported by Folha de Sao Paulo (link in Portuguese).
A player of his stature—not to mention at this relatively late stage of his career—must be sorely tempted to have one more crack of the whip in Europe.
Erik
8 of 8
Club: Goias
Position: Forward
Winner of the Revelation of the Year award in the 2014 Campeonato Brasileiro, Erik’s success may see him leaving Serra Dourada. Club president Sergio Rassi has already admitted to receiving offers for the 20-year-old, as reported by Globo Esporte (link in Portuguese).
He netted 17 goals last season, 12 of which came in the league, and his instinctive form was a large part of the reason Goias steered clear of relegation trouble. Even if he opts to stay in Brazil for the foreseeable future, it is highly likely we will be seeing him plying his trade in the Old Continent before too long.
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