Grêmio is actively pursuing new players in the transfer market, with the primary goal of acquiring a playmaking midfielder.
Alongside the search for a right-back and a left-footed center-back, the club’s board considers adding a true “number 10” as the foremost priority, fully aware that this is one of the most competitive and costly positions available in the current market.
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According to reports from ge, this pursuit coincides with the expected exit of promising talent Gabriel Mec.
The young star has recently attracted interest from several European clubs, including Shakhtar Donetsk and Villarreal, with negotiations predicted to intensify following the official opening of the international transfer window on July 20.
Despite the possibility of Mec’s sale, the coaching staff maintains that signing a new midfielder has been a long-standing focus.
Midfield Status Under Luís Castro
In the first half of the year, coach Luís Castro experimented with various players in the midfield, rotating individuals such as Gabriel Mec, Willian, Monsalve, and even Edenilson, who has since moved to Botafogo. The coaching staff believes that Mec has shown the most promise and provided the best attacking consistency.
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With the potential loss of this young talent, there is a pressing need for restructuring within the team:
Willian: His contract is set to expire in December, and it seems unlikely that he will have his contract renewed. The board is focusing on extending contracts for players like Carlos Vinicius, Amuzu, and Pavon.
Monsalve: Having lost prominence in the squad, he has attracted interest from Estudiantes (Argentina) and could be transferred soon.
Mandaca: The board has indicated they have a pre-contract agreement with the Juventude defensive midfielder, effective until 2027, but are working on bringing him in earlier.
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Financial Considerations and Transfer Activity
The club’s efforts to bolster their squad are being challenged by financial difficulties. Grêmio is currently facing cash flow issues and has fallen behind on salary and image rights payments to players. Management has pledged to resolve these outstanding payments by next week.
Given a tighter budget compared to the beginning of the year, the signings for the second half of the season are expected to be more modest. So far, the club has introduced center-back Wallace (formerly of CRB) and striker Matheus Nascimento (previously with Botafogo and LA Galaxy).
The club’s immediate aims include:
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Completing the transfer of right-back Diego Caito from Goiás.
Finding a left-sided center-back to compensate for Viery’s exit and prepare for the potential departure of Wagner Leonardo, who is in talks with Vitória.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.