Barcelona’s September move for Gabriel Jesus has given the Brazilian forward a route back into the centre of the European game, one he believed had closed after four uneven years in north London. Now 29, he has begun life in Catalonia with two goals from four appearances, each made as a substitute.
Jesus said he had expected only two possible outcomes before Barcelona intervened: remain at Arsenal until his contract expired, or return to Brazil. Instead, the chance to join Barça arrived shortly after he had spent a week away from the pitch.
Quick facts
- Gabriel Jesus joined Barcelona for the 2026/27 season after four years at Arsenal.
- The 29-year-old has scored twice in four Barcelona outings, all from the bench.
- Napoli had shown interest during the most recent transfer window.
- Jesus has not played for Brazil since 2023.
- He scored against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
The forward has endured recurring injury problems during his Arsenal spell and has been outside the Brazil squad since 2023. Napoli were also among the clubs tracking him during the latest transfer market, but Barcelona’s approach settled the matter quickly.
Jesus described the transfer as straightforward once Barça made contact, saying he did not want to consider any alternative. The move has placed him in a squad containing Lamine Yamal, whose emergence has made him one of the defining young talents of the continent.
Asked about the teenager, Jesus drew a careful comparison with Neymar, whom he regards as the finest player he has shared a pitch with. He said Neymar’s ability with either foot made him unique, while Yamal carries some similar traits in his dribbling and confidence.
For Jesus, Yamal’s standout quality is his composure. Though still very young, the Brazilian said the Barcelona winger plays with the authority of a far more experienced footballer and continues to improve season by season.
