Luís Castro calls Gabriel Mec very talented as FC Porto deal advances | OneFootball

FC Porto have moved to sign 18-year-old Grémio forward Gabriel Mec, a breakout this season with 32 appearances, three goals and two assists. He featured at the 2025 Under-17 World Cup.

Speaking to Globoesporte after the 3-1 win over Chapecoense in round 25 of the Brasileirão, Luís Castro said: "Mec was a player with little more than 40 minutes last season and was very eager to compete. We used that energy along with his qualities. Then we worked on other dynamics. He is a very technically talented player. He can turn right and left with the same ease. He is unpredictable in his turns. He is spontaneous in his finishing."

The move, planned in detail despite its timing, is set to cost 10 million euros. Grémio have communicated acceptance of Porto’s offer, with only travel to Portugal, medicals and final contract points to complete. Mec holds 20 percent of his economic rights.

It would continue Porto’s strategy of recruiting wide players with pace, unpredictability and scope to grow, as seen with William Gomes and Pietuszewski.

Porto had tracked Mec for months. With his contract running to 2027, a dispute over an extension and reduced prominence in the XI created a favourable opening.

At Grémio since the age of nine, from the club that produced Ronaldinho, he soon won over fans for the ease of his execution. He is seen as having significant potential to succeed in Europe. His moniker comes from a Carioca slang term for a smooth, light and calm style.

Source: O Jogo

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