Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to bring Gustavo Scarpa to the Premier League in January and Palmeiras should sign James Rodriguez as the Brazil international’s replacement, 2002 World Cup winner Vampeta tells Jovem Pan Esportes.
In five years at Palmeiras, Scarpa has won no fewer than seven trophies, including a pair of Copa Libertadores titles. He’s scored almost 50 goals from attacking midfield along the way, while no one in Brazil’s top flight provided more assists in 2021.
The playmaker’s January switch to Nottingham Forest, then, will leave big boots to fill.
Boots that could fit Colombian superstar James Rodriguez quite nicely, according to a man who tasted World Cup glory alongside Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and co two decades ago.
Nottingham Forest are signing Palmeiras talisman Gustavo Scarpa
“I was watching Nottingham Forest v Liverpool (a 1-0 win at the City Ground),” explains Vampeta, highlighting the growing frustration surrounding Jesse Lingard’s disappointing form in garibaldi red.
“And there’s Lingard who was signed. (The fans are) just waiting for Scarpa to arrive because he’s going to supply everyone.
“Scarpa is leaving and Palmeiras have money. Why don’t you bring James Rodríguez? This guy still plays and makes a difference.”
31-year-old James, formerly of Everton, Real Madrid and Monaco, is plying his trade for Greek giants Olympiakos these days following a difficult spell in the Middle East. The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner is only on a short-term deal, however, keeping him in Piraeus until next summer.
Scarpa, meanwhile, will be hoping to add some creativity and cutting edge to a Forest side who have tightened up at the back but remain a work in progress at the other end.
“Since I was 11 years old, (playing in the Premier League) was my biggest dream,” Scarpa beams. “I imagined that I would be able to go to Europe because I had an Italian passport. But I did not imagine the Premier League. I imagined a smaller club from Spain, from Italy, something like that.
“I know about (Nottingham Forest’s) difficult situation. It will be difficult, but I want to breathe new air.
“The Premier League makes games that are surreal. Exciting,” adds Scarpa, the Brazilian top-flight’s top assist provider in 2016 and 2021.
“This, for me, will be very good. I think I’m ready for this adventure. For me, it’s an honour to play in the Premier League. And I’m very happy for this challenge.”
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