Viery goes from almost sold to key starter and European target at Grêmio | OneFootball

The turn of the season marked a real leap in Viery’s career.

At 21, the center-back developed in Grêmio’s youth academy went from being a player not in the club’s plans for 2025 to becoming an undisputed starter under coach Luís Castro in 2026.

His rapid rise, combined with his profile as a player, has already put him on the radar of several European clubs, according to ge.

At the end of last season, the defender came very close to leaving Porto Alegre. After turning down an offer from Al Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates in August, his representatives also did not pursue an approach from a smaller European club.

With the change in the club’s management in December, the situation changed drastically.

Football executive Paulo Pelaipe was mainly responsible for blocking the youngster’s departure, even rejecting a loan attempt with a purchase option made by Botafogo.

The backing of the new board led to a contract renewal in January, extending Viery’s deal (which had been set to run until mid-2027) to December 2029.

Establishing himself in his natural position

Luís Castro’s bet on the defender’s talent has been paying off.

In just the first four months of 2026, Viery has already made 18 appearances, with one goal and one assist, surpassing his numbers from the entire previous season, when he played in 12 matches (often filling in at left-back).

People close to the player believe that the return to his natural position in central defense was key to this technical development and to restoring his confidence.

European radar

His strong performances this season, together with his personality on the pitch and the fact that he is a left-footed center-back — a trait highly valued on the international market — have put Viery on the radar of major leagues. At present, the youngster is being monitored by at least five European teams:

Behind the scenes, the expectation is that official offers will arrive in the next transfer window, open from July 20 to September 11.

According to ge, a potential sale is viewed positively by the board as a way to ease the club’s finances, whose current liabilities (short-term expenses) have reached R$ 516.4 million, equivalent to 89% of the projected budget for 2026.

Focus and commitment on the pitch

Despite strong outside interest, the player has shown total commitment to the Tricolor shirt.

The clearest example of his dedication came recently in the Copa do Brasil against Confiança, when Viery dislocated a finger, received medical treatment on the pitch, and continued playing.

"It’s a very special moment. I came through the ranks here [...] Surpassing my 2025 numbers is a source of great pride," Viery said.

"In the heat of the game, you don’t think, you just want to keep helping the team, no matter the cost. My mind is 100% on Grêmio and on our goals for the season. Whatever comes from outside in the future, I leave in the hands of the people who manage my career," the player added in an interview highlighted by ge.

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

📸 Pedro H. Tesch - 2026 Getty Images