The January transfer window seems like the period when soccer fans spend the most time tweeting about their teams and expressing their desire to see them add one or two key players. After all, everyone’s favorite team is a piece or two away from potentially taking it to the next level, right?
The Brasileirao league has been a popular place for European clubs to shop as it is a football hotbed. There are plenty of indications that European clubs are again scouting the Brazilian league this month with a number of players rumored to be on the move. Here is a look at the five Brasileirao stars most likely to be on the move this January.
Gabriel – F (Santos)
Some have gone as far as calling Gabriel the “next Neymar” and while that might be a little bit of an overstatement, at this point there is no denying the talent he has displayed on the pitch and as well as his potential for the near future. A prime asset that is still only 18-years-old, Gabriel has been linked to Barcelona in recent weeks and there is little doubt he would love a chance to join the real Neymar and develop his skill set with one of the top clubs in Europe. Santos was recently forced to sell off a portion of its economic rights just to make some money and it could only be a matter of time before they take a big pay day for their young superstar.
Lucas Silva – M (Cruzeiro)
There were plenty of reports at the end of last year that it was only a matter of time before Silva was moved to Real Madrid. While it didn’t come to fruition then, those rumors have recently heated up again. Silva is one of the most exciting young central midfielders in Brazil and while Real’s first two bids to acquire him were reportedly turned down, it could be only a matter of time before they offer a little more money to add his services. An excellent passer that has the type of elite speed to take off on his own with the ball if he sees an opening, Silva would add depth at the position for Madrid while also being groomed as a potential future superstar in Spain.
Marlon – D (Fluminese)
Another club that has struggled financially is Fluminese, which is a team that has been linked to several moves involving its top earners. Marlon doesn’t make as much money as some other players on the roster but he is arguably the most talented piece the club has to offer. The fact that they could net a major haul for his services could be enough incentive to sell him this month.
Jefferson – G (Botafogo)
There has been talk of a new contract but with so much uncertainty surrounding Botafogo and the 31-year-old keeper failing to report for training as the dispute over money owed, it’s clear the most likely scenario has him on the move. For a club that is struggling both on the pitch and financially, the best move now would be to find a suitor for Jefferson and turn their attention to a more a more stable solution.
Erik – F (Goias)
The winner of the Revelation of the Year Award for 2014, Erik has received plenty of attention from European clubs. Calls to club president Sergio Rassi have been incessant as many teams are looking for a chance to acquire his services. Erik scored 17 goals, including 12 in the league last year. His ability to finish on a consistent basis makes him an alluring prospect for teams in need of scoring. Gioas barely managed to steer clear of relegation with his services last season, so they do need him but they might not be able to resist a chance to make some real money. That’s likely the best solution as they’ll have to use that money wisely to invest in a brighter future if they realize their star striker is destined to leave eventually.
