Meet the three gems making their mark at Grêmio | OneFootball

Renato Portaluppi called up 11 academy players to train with Grêmio’s first-team squad during the FIFA break. Three of them received special attention and could earn new opportunities: Manu, João Novaes, and Fellipe Magalhães.

The trio play in different areas. Manu is a left-back, João Novaes plays as a defensive midfielder, and Fellipe Magalhães is a forward. Beyond their positions, the players have followed different paths within Grêmio’s development system.

Manu is a left-back

At 17, Manu plays as a left-back and came through Athletico-PR and Grêmio during his development. Left-footed, he is known for operating down the left flank, contributing to attacking build-up and defensive recovery.

RTI Esporte Agency has learned that the player already has a professional contract with Grêmio until January 2027. The club’s board is negotiating an extension through 2029, while his current release clause is set at €10 million (R$59.1 million at the current exchange rate).

João Novaes arrived from Ibrachina

João Novaes is 18 and plays as a defensive midfielder. He joined Grêmio in 2026 after playing for Ibrachina in a deal initially agreed as a loan. In the Brazilian Under-20 Championship, he has made five appearances and scored one goal.

As a defensive midfielder, he helps play out from the back, covers spaces defensively, and links different areas of the team. Grêmio are interested in acquiring the player’s economic rights from Ibrachina. According to two sources in the club’s football department, the fee set for the deal is R$500,000.

Fellipe Magalhães rose to prominence in the Copinha

Fellipe Magalhães is the oldest of the trio at 19. The forward stood out in the 2026 Copa São Paulo, scoring five goals in eight matches and finishing as Grêmio’s top scorer in the competition.

Left-footed, he can play on either wing and also as a center-forward. That versatility comes with strong numbers this season: 12 goals and three assists in 28 matches for the Under-20 side.

His performances in the Copinha led Grêmio to exercise their option to buy 60% of his economic rights for R$500,000. The forward signed a professional contract through January 2030, with a release clause of €30 million (R$177.1 million).

Different profiles in Grêmio’s project

Manu, João Novaes, and Fellipe have come onto Renato’s radar at different stages. The left-back is 17 and already has experience within Grêmio’s setup. João Novaes is still adapting after arriving from Ibrachina.

On the pitch, each offers something different. Manu, for example, can operate on the left, João Novaes provides an option in midfield, and Fellipe Magalhães adds alternatives in attack.

The academy looks to break into the first team

The presence of the three among the youngsters being watched by Renato Portaluppi does not mean an immediate promotion. The next step will be turning their performances in the youth ranks into real opportunities with the senior team.

Experience alongside older players will be important in that transition, as will the ability to respond to the intensity of the professional game. For Manu, João Novaes, and Fellipe Magalhães, the opportunity is there; consistency will determine who earns a place.

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