While the entire nation of Brazil rose to their feet in unison during Thursday’s 2-0 World Cup victory over Serbia, Richarlison channelling the spirit of Pele with a glorious acrobatic volley while bringing that ‘R9’ nickname into the modern era, Gerson may have been left with rather mixed emotions.
Capped four times by the Selecao, the Marseille misfit will have been thinking, deep down, that he should have been there at the Lusail Stadium. If not on the pitch, then certainly on the bench.
But, as Gerson’s father and agent predicted, the midfielder’s sudden and rather sad demise at Marseille put pay to any lingering hopes had of making the cut for Tite’s 26-man roster. The final pin in an already deflating balloon.
“We are really sad. This coach (Igor Tudor) prevents us from dreaming of a place in World Cup squad,” Marcao told L’Equipe in October; confirming that his son plans to find a new club in the New Year.
“We’re going to look elsewhere. (An exit is) inevitable. “If Gerson is no longer important for OM, then we’ll find a club who values him.”
Tottenham should act as West Ham enter talks with Marseille’s Gerson
According to Goal, West Ham United have held talks with Gerson’s camp. He’s already said goodbye to his team-mates at the Stade Velodrome (L’Equipe).
Now, Marseille’s £13 million asking price may be too rich for Flamengo’s blood. But maybe not for a struggling Hammers side who’d benefit from Gerson’s combativeness, drive and ball-carrying ability. Particularly with Tomas Soucek a shadow of his once-irrepressible self.
He’s a goalscorer too. Gerson netted a career-best 11 times in 2021/22; most of those efforts quite exquisite in their craft and execution. But, in addition to West Ham, there is another London-based club who may be tempted to make a move of their own as Marseille look to cash in one of Ligue 1’s most-gifted playmakers.
Gerson looks set to depart for a fraction of the £22 million fee L’OM paid some 18 months ago.
Marcao’s father admitted, during a conversation with Jorge Nicola back in 2020, that reports suggesting Tottenham Hotspur were interested the former Roma and Fiorentina ace were ‘true’.
Flash forward to the present day and, with Antonio Conte prioritising a stylish attacking midfielder with a nose for goal – Spurs are keen on Ruslan Malinovsky and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus – Gerson’s availability may have come at precisely the right time.
Gerson is younger than Malinovkskyi. He’s cheaper than Kudus. And, what’s more, he’d certainly arrive with a point to prove.
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