Grêmio spend big amid 21 exits as Luís Castro reshapes squad in early 2026 | OneFootball

Grêmio have overhauled their squad in the first two months of 2026, making six signings and authorising 21 exits.

Club president Odorico Roman called it perhaps the costliest window in the club’s history, arguing reinforcements were needed to avoid past risks, speaking before last Sunday’s derby.

The recruits are goalkeeper Weverton, left-back Caio Paulista, midfielders Juan Nardoni and Leonel Pérez, and forwards Tetê and José Enamorado.

Two deals drove much of the spend, Tetê from Panathinaikos at an estimated 6.2 million euros over four years, a figure unconfirmed by the club, and Nardoni for 8 million dollars for 80 percent of his economic rights.

A complementary window runs from Wednesday to 27 March, though only players from this season’s state championships, or those who terminated contracts within the first window, are eligible. Grêmio plan to move only for a genuine opportunity that matches profile and price. With CBF competitions permitting only nine foreigners and 11 already on the books, new overseas signings are not planned.

Trimming numbers was a priority, with Castro targeting a 27-man group and salary headroom. Early auditions shaped exits, Cristaldo and Cuéllar departed and Aravena joined Portland Timbers on loan. Edenilson, criticised by fans but trusted by Castro, asked to leave after an offer from Botafogo. After eight loans, eight terminations, three sales and two renewals not taken up, the first-team squad stands at 28. Several youngsters trained with the seniors but can still play under-20s, and Riquelme, promoted in 2025, also features there.

Source: Globo.com