Gabriel Mec trained at Olival for first time, FC Porto share images | OneFootball

Brazilian 18-year-old Gabriel Mec has joined FC Porto from Grémio, the club coached by Portuguese manager Luís Castro. The transfer involves an investment of 11 million euros by the Dragons.

“FC Porto has reached an agreement with Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense for the permanent transfer of Gabriel Mec’s sporting registration rights and 100% of his economic rights for a fixed fee of €11 million, plus a maximum variable payment of €1 million depending on the achievement of objectives,” reads the statement published by the Porto club on its official website.

The Porto Alegre club will also retain 12% of the capital gain from any future transfer of the player, who signed a contract with FC Porto valid for five seasons, until 31 July 2031.

Grémio will be responsible for paying the solidarity mechanism to third-party clubs. The Portuguese champions, meanwhile, will cover the intermediary fees, equivalent to 4.5% of the value of the deal, a percentage that could double if certain sporting objectives are met.

“I, Gabriel Mec, have come to add to the team. I know the weight of wearing this shirt. I will give my all every time I step onto the pitch. I’ll give everything I have and I hope I can help the club build a beautiful history,” said the Brazilian in remarks shared by the club’s official media.

Developed at Grémio, Gabriel Mec also represented Brazil’s youth national teams and took part, among other competitions, in the 2025 Under-17 World Cup, won by Portugal, whom he faced in the semi-finals.

“We faced a great team, very strong and technical. They were the World Cup winners and I believe they deserved it. I got a taste of the Portuguese style of play and it is very good,” he recalled.

In 2026, the Brazilian player established himself in senior football, making 32 appearances for the Porto Alegre club’s first team. He started on 14 occasions and ended that spell with three goals and two assists.

“I have always been a very dedicated athlete and I have always given my all. That helped me grow a lot. I won quite a few titles in Grémio’s academy, made my professional debut in January 2025 and learned a lot from more experienced players. It was very important, it helped me a lot and I think I also developed as a person,” he said, praising coach Luís Castro, whom he credits with playing an important role in his development.

Able to use both feet, Mec can play as an attacking midfielder or on either wing in attack.

“I’m a player who likes to improvise. I’m not afraid of making mistakes — I may get it wrong two or three times, but I will always try one more time. I like to find passing lanes, finish chances and score goals. I’m a very dedicated athlete and, while I’m on the pitch, I will always give my best,” he described himself.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.