Former Marseille midfielder Gerson has sealed a dream return to Flamengo after holding talks over a potential move to Premier League outfit West Ham United, as reported by Globo Esporte.
When there’s a will, there’s very often a way.
And there was certainly no lack of ‘will’. Gerson, falling out of favour under head coach Igor Tudor at Marseille and missing out on a place in Brazil’s Qatar World Cup squad, was determined to re-join a Flamengo side where he played the best football of his career; winning no fewer than eight trophies between 2019 and 2021.
Whether there was a ‘way’, however… well let’s just say Flamengo weren’t exactly confident of being able to welcome their prodigal son back home. And it took the reigning Copa Libertadores winners all they had, financially and emotionally, before Gerson finally put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
West Ham United held talks but Gerson leaves Marseille for Flamengo
“For me, Gerson is a great signing,” beams Flamengo chief Marcos Braz.
“The effort that Flamengo made was enormous from all sides. From the player’s agent, who is also the player’s father, from president (Rodolfo) Landim. He is a player who comes back even more qualified (than when he left).
“We were very afraid of this negotiation. It was a very tough negotiation. The French club were cordial, but also tough in terms of numbers. You can be sure that we worked hard (to get Gerson signed).”
Gerson now becomes the second-most expensive signing in Flamengo’s history. Per Globo Esporte, the stylish central midfielder sets the Brazilian giants back a cool £14 million. West Ham held talks with Gerson’s agent late last year but, despite the lure of the Premier League, Flamengo was always his first choice (Goal).
“I’m back!” Gerson smiles; his relief palpable. “(I am) very happy and we’re going together once again.”
With the former Marseille playmaker no longer on the market, it’s up to West Ham to decide if they now want to press ahead with one of their other midfield targets. Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Djibril Sow are likely to be too expensive.
But keep an eye on Pablo Maia; the 20-year-old former Sao Paulo team-mate of Hammers newcomer Luizao.
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