Brazil’s leading scorer Carlos Vinícius reveals clubs who approached before Grêmio move | OneFootball

Carlos Vinícius, Brazil’s leading scorer in 2026 with nine goals in nine games, has revealed he was approached by rival clubs before joining Grêmio last year, but says Grêmio made the decisive approach. He leads Robson of Novorizontino, who has seven.

According to Globo.com, the striker said there were numerous contacts once he became available, naming Botafogo, São Paulo and Corinthians, though he stressed Grêmio were the club that moved clearly ahead with a firm proposal.

He has 21 goals in 23 appearances since arriving in July 2025, having left Fulham as a free agent. His deal runs to December 2026, with an automatic extension to 2027 if he is called up to the World Cup by Brazil or Portugal.

Born in Bom Jesus das Selvas, Maranhão, he had brief spells with Caldense and Grêmio Anápolis before moving to Europe. He played in Portugal for Rio Ave and Real SC, then featured for Benfica, Monaco, Tottenham, PSV and Galatasaray in Türkiye.

His 2026 start includes two hat-tricks, against São Luiz in the Campeonato Gaúcho and Botafogo in the Brasileirão.

Source: Globo.com