Steve Cooper, Nottingham Forest head coach celebrates during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at the City Ground, Nottingham on Saturday 20th May 2023. (Photo: Jon Hobley | MI News) (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest are still showing their interest in Santos forward Angelo Gabriel five months after failing with a £15 million bid to bring the Brazilian to the Premier League.
Now, that means a renewed attempt to sign the teenage attacker is not totally off the cards.
As Lance point out, Nottingham Forest are aware – and accepting – of Angelo Gabriel’s youth, understanding that a recent dip in form is to be expected perhaps for a player who only celebrated his 18th birthday in December.
But with Gabriel’s form nowhere near as impressive as it was back in 2022, when the Brazil U20 international was being labelled in some quarters the second coming of Neymar, Nottingham Forest appear to be putting their pursuit on the backburner.
Nottingham Forest still ‘have’ Angelo Gabriel interest
Gabriel, like PSG superstar Neymar, rose through the ranks at Santos. He has already played over 60 games in Brazil’s top flight.
Nottingham Forest submitted a £15 million loan-to-buy bid for Gabriel during the January transfer window. But, while they will continue to scout him, there is currently no real suggestion that another offer will be arriving from the City Ground any time soon.
Forest, Lance says, simply ‘do not have the same interest that they had at the beginning of the year’.
“He is special and full of talent,” Marisa Alija, Gabriel’s agent, told Tuttomercatoweb at the time.
“Above all, he is a golden boy with charisma, cheerfulness and humility. He has a great desire to learn and listen to those who have more experience than him, training and improving day by day.”
“With his talent and his mindset, he can become one of the best. He is an exemplary professional who always wants to exceed his limits. He is a fast footballer, technically strong and fun to watch on the pitch, but also very intelligent and a team player. He’s not selfish or individualistic. Far from it.”
“Angelo is a footballer that all the top clubs know. It’s only a matter of time (before he moves to Europe), especially now that he’s turned 18.”
Gabriel has also been linked with Barcelona and Newcastle United. Santos, meanwhile, confirmed Liverpool’s interest back in 2021.
