Gabriel Barbosa is still in Brazil. He has not returned to Portugal and has no intention of doing so. Benfica refuse to keep him and there is the risk that Gabigol ends up playing for their reserve team. Furthermore, according to FCInterNews, the Portuguese team have given Gabigol free time to stay at home, freeing him for now of contractual obligations and training sessions. Gabriel Barbosa wants to send a message to Inter, in order to speed up the process that might see him return to his boyhood club, Santos. With the Brazilian team also dreaming of their prodigal son returning.
It’s said that Santos have even set aside the number 10 shirt for him, as they all parties eagerly anticipate his return. The Paulista Championship continues with Santos facing Linense, and the Brazilian club had originally hoped he would have arrived by now but Inter have more concerning priorities.
There is also still no agreement between Santos and Inter. The Nerazzurri demand an all expenses paid loan on behalf of the Brazilian giants. Steps have been taken, but none come close to the demands of the Beneamata yet. So Santos must wait for a response. Assuming the response is negative then Gabigol would remain under contract with Benfica until June and his compliance would be forced. In this scenario he would either return to Portugal to make the best of a bad situation or remain a simple tourist at home.
