In a significant move for the club, Górnik Zabrze has officially announced the signing of Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa as their first transfer ahead of the upcoming season. The 26-year-old forward, who stands tall at 1.95 meters, is set to join the Polish Ekstraklasa team from Portuguese club Penafiel on July 1, 2025. This transfer marks a new chapter for Górnik Zabrze, who are currently focusing on building a stronger squad for the future.
Górnik Zabrze has been undergoing a series of changes recently, including the dismissal of head coach Jan Urban, who expressed his disappointment over the decision. Meanwhile, club legend Lukas Podolski has been vocal about the ongoing privatization efforts of Górnik Zabrze, stating, "Prywatyzacja Górnika w toku. Ostatnio spotkałem się z Zarysem i Tabapolem. To były dobre rozmowy. Najważniejsze, że posuwamy się do przodu." This translates to, "The privatization of Górnik is ongoing. Recently, I met with Zarys and Tabapol. These were good conversations. The most important thing is that we are moving forward." Podolski also encouraged fans to purchase season tickets for the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of support during this transitional period.
Barbosa, who has had a varied career playing in several countries, including Greece, Albania, South Korea, Italy, and Brazil, is looking forward to making a significant impact in the Ekstraklasa. He has been in impressive form, scoring 11 goals in 24 appearances this season for Penafiel in the second tier of Portuguese football. However, it is worth noting that he has not played in nearly two months due to injury issues, which he hopes to overcome in his new environment.
Reflecting on his move to Górnik Zabrze, Barbosa expressed his excitement about joining a team where he has long admired players like Podolski. He stated, "Ludzie często patrzą na mnie i moje możliwości przez pryzmat wysokiego wzrostu, ale dużą część bramek zdobywam jednak strzałami nogą, choć oczywiście potrafię też wykorzystać wzrost i strzelać gole głową […]. Gdy byłem młodszy grałem w FIFĘ na PlayStation i wtedy miałem Lukasa Podolskiego w składzie. Oglądałem go również w telewizyjnych transmisjach z Mistrzostw Świata. Teraz dołączę do zespołu, w którym gra. To coś niesamowitego, to spełnienie marzeń." This translates to, "People often look at me and my abilities through the lens of my height, but I score a significant number of goals with my feet, although I can also use my height to score headers. When I was younger, I played FIFA on PlayStation and had Lukas Podolski in my squad. I also watched him in televised broadcasts of the World Cup. Now I will join the team where he plays. It’s something incredible, a dream come true."
As Górnik Zabrze prepares for the remainder of the season, they currently sit in 9th place in the Ekstraklasa standings with 41 points, well clear of relegation but also out of contention for European competition. The team is gearing up for their next match against Widzew on Sunday, April 27, 2025, where they will look to build momentum and finish the season strong.
Barbosa's arrival is seen as a step towards bolstering Górnik Zabrze's attacking options, and fans are eager to see how he will fit into the squad under the new management of Piotr Gierczak. With a contract that extends until at least June 30, 2027, there is optimism surrounding Barbosa's potential contributions to the club's future.
In addition to Barbosa's signing, Górnik Zabrze is also expected to announce further transfers as the club seeks to revamp its roster and improve its performance on the pitch. The combination of new signings and the ongoing privatization efforts signals a transformative period for the club, which is looking to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in Polish football.
As the club navigates these changes, the support from the fans will be crucial. With Podolski leading the charge and new talent like Barbosa joining the ranks, Górnik Zabrze is poised for an exciting future. The upcoming matches will be pivotal in setting the tone for the next season, and all eyes will be on how the team adapts to these changes as they strive for success.
