Barcelona tried to sign Santos whizkid in January, but prioritised Gavi’s contract registration

The closing days of the winter transfer window were hectic days for FC Barcelona. The management were forced to take an important call under pressure – to either renew and register the contracts of existing prodigies or look for a replacement for the departed Memphis Depay.

Eventually, the Catalans opted to register Gavi with the first team using the Fair Play margin generated by Depay’s exit. Yet, there were a number of options explored before the eventual consensus over the golden boy’s renewal was reached.

According to Joaquim Piera of SPORT, Barcelona tried to bring in Santos jewel Angelo Gabriel to Spotify Camp Nou in January. The initial plan was to sign the 17-year-old wonderkid on a loan with an option to make it permanent at the end of the season for a fixed fee.

The Brazilian outfit were willing to discuss terms over the forward’s transfer. However, the deal fell apart because the board prioritized Gavi’s renewal after discussing the options with Xavi Hernandez.

Nevertheless, the club continue to follow the youngster closely for the upcoming transfer windows.

Barcelona have secured a preferential buy option and the right of first refusal for Angelo Gabriel, should any other clubs join the race for his signing. However, a final decision over his future will be made only in the summer.

The 18-year-old has a deal until 2024 with Santos and broke into their first team two years ago. Since then, he has made 102 appearances for the first team, scoring three goals and registering nine assists.

AC Milan, Nottingham Forest, PSG, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are just a few of the other clubs eyeing the right winger.

It is safe to say that Barcelona are the most tempting option on the teenager’s table. The question, however, is where Angelo would fit in, given that Barcelona already have Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha on the right flank.