South American football expert Tim Vickery has questioned reports of interest from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in Brazilian midfielder Gerson.
However, despite some big-time names being linked with the club, there has been some speculation in the media suggesting that Gerson could be a man that could make the move to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £30 million.
But While the 23-year-old played a big role in Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores victory last year, Vickery is unsure if he would be able to have a similar impact in Europe after he failed to establish himself at Roma earlier in his career.
‘Gerson was an important part of the Flamengo side that in the second half of last year played such swashbuckling football on the way to the Brazilian and South American titles, and gave Liverpool a game in the final of the Club World Cup,’ said Vickery.
‘But the suggested asking price is around £31 million. That is 25 more than he cost Flamengo a year ago when they signed him, bringing him back from Italy, where after three seasons spent with Roma and on loan with Fiorentina he had struggled to make an impact.
‘It would seem a lot of money for a player who has already had problems adapting to the extra pace of the European game – especially with football having to adapt to the post-pandemic reality. ‘And even if such a big money bid is placed on the table, other questions emerge. What does the player really want?
‘If his desire is to shine in top level European football, then it would be unwise to turn down such an offer. Gerson is already 23 – and these days that age has become something of a cut-off point.
‘The current trend is for European clubs to South American teenagers. Those in their mid-20s are seen as a bigger risk – the fee is higher and the sell-on value is lower.’