​Grêmio continues to be active in the transfer window with a clear objective: to land a playmaking midfielder. Alongside their search for a right-back and a left-footed center-back, the board regards bringing in a true “number 10” as the top priority, even though this is one of the most competitive and expensive positions in the current market.
According to the latest reports, this pursuit unfolds even as the club contemplates the imminent departure of young talent Gabriel Mec. The Tricolor’s jewel has attracted frequent interest from European clubs, with teams like Shakhtar Donetsk and Villarreal showing attention in the first half of the year. Negotiations are expected to heat up from July 20, when the international transfer window officially opens. Nonetheless, the coaching staff has stressed that signing a new midfielder has long been a priority, independent of Mec’s potential exit.
Luís Castro’s midfield situation has been a focal point for the team this year. In the first half, the coach conducted several tests in the creative zone, rotating players such as Gabriel Mec, Willian, Monsalve, and Edenilson (who has since left for Botafogo). The staff’s assessment suggests Mec offered the best on-pitch response and contributed the most to attacking continuity.
With the real possibility of losing Mec, the outlook for the rest of the midfield is one of restructuring:
– Willian: With a contract that runs only until December, it is likely his deal will not be renewed. The board’s renewal priorities are centered on players like Carlos Vinicius, Amuzu, and Pavón.
– Monsalve: The Colombian has lost minutes, attracted interest from Estudiantes in Argentina, and could be transferred in the coming weeks.
– Mandaca: The board has already secured a pre-contract with the Juventude defensive midfielder for 2027, but is actively working to bring him in immediately.
Finances and transfer market moves have been hampered by the club’s financial strain. Grêmio is navigating cash-flow difficulties and is reportedly about a month behind on salaries and image-rights payments. The internal promise is to settle all outstanding obligations by next week. With a tighter budget than at the start of the year, second-half-season signings are taking on a more modest financial profile. So far, the club has already announced the arrivals of center-back Wallace (formerly of CRB) and forward Matheus Nascimento (formerly of Botafogo and LA Galaxy).
Grêmio’s next concrete objectives are clear:
– Finalize the signing of right-back Diego Caito (Goiás).
– Find a left-sided center-back to compensate for Viery’s departure and to guard against a possible transfer of Wagner Leonardo, who remains in talks with Vitória.
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