Santos head coach Cuca says they ‘will do everything’ to extend Gabriel Barbosa’s loan spell at the club but admits that it will not be easy for them to keep hold of the forward.
Barbosa joined Inter from the Brazilian side in 2016 but endured a horrific first season in Italy, making just 10 appearances for the Nerazzurri in all competitions, and is now back at his former club on a loan deal that is due to expire on 31 December.
However Santos are keen to extend the deal after the 22 year-old’s performances have improved in recent weeks, as confirmed by head coach Cuca on Thursday.
“We know that his stay here is determined by the loan deal which expires at the end of the year,” he told reporters, “but we would like to keep him on after that, so we will do everything to extend the agreement.
“We are aware of how difficult this will be though, considering that he is Inter’s player. Renato Gaucho would like to sign Gabriel for Gremio? He has good taste, Gabriel is a great player. But he’s ours.”
