Grêmio optimistic over new Carlos Vinicius deal to 2028 as talks accelerate | OneFootball

Grêmio are confident of renewing Carlos Vinicius, and, according to Globo.com, aim to conclude negotiations in the coming days on a deal through to the end of 2028.

The striker’s current deal runs until the end of 2026 and he has been free to sign a pre-contract elsewhere since 1 July. An automatic extension clause no longer applies because the performance targets were not met.

Clubs from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and MLS have made enquiries and recent talks had stalled. Even so, Grêmio still anticipate a positive outcome in the next few weeks, with a face-to-face meeting planned with his representatives to settle the terms.

Talks have been under way since April and the player is open to staying. If agreed, the new terms would start from mid-year rather than January. Salary is still to be set, the player wants a rise and the club are cutting costs, but the board do not expect this to block agreement.

Two triggers could have extended his deal by a further season. One required a World Cup call-up for Brazil or Portugal, which did not happen. The other required him to start and play over 45 minutes in 70% of games between July 2025 and June 2026, which he did not reach.

Carlos Vinicius is Grêmio’s top scorer this season with 18 goals in 35 games. Signed in July 2025, he scored 12 in 14 during his first year at the club.

Source: Globo.com