Santos striker Gabriel Barbosa has urged the nation’s emerging talent to avoid moving to Europe, unless elite clubs come calling.
Brazil’s best young talent has often sought European transfers, with Rayan among the latest to have left South America.
The 19-year-old left Vasco de Game for Bournemouth for an initial fee in the region of £24.7m and marked his full debut with a goal against Aston Villa on Saturday.
However, Barbosa wants to see more Brazilian prospects shun transfers to Europe. He said that unless one of Europe’s genuine elite comes calling, transfers to mid-table teams in the Premier League or La Liga are ‘not worth it’ for development.
Barbosa joined Inter Milan in 2016 but struggled to make an impact in Italy. He also had an underwhelming loan at Benfica before returning to Brazil.
“If you’re playing for a big Brazilian club and Barcelona, Real Madrid or Chelsea come for you, you have to leave,” Barbosa said.
“If it’s a 15th place club in La Liga or the Premier League, then it’s not worth it. Just stay at Palmeiras, Flamengo or the Brazilian club you’re playing for, where you can truly develop and compete at the highest level.”
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