Despite 16 departures, Grêmio aim to further trim squad | OneFootball

Grêmio still plan to streamline the squad despite 16 departures, with the professional group set to reach 32 once Juan Nardoni and Leonel Pérez are confirmed.

According to Globo.com, Luís Castro wants fewer than 30 players, the internal view is that oversized groups demotivate those left idle, and the hierarchy aim to cut the wage bill.

In his first month, completed on Monday, Castro used the senior group from the opening round of the Gauchão to judge options in training and matches.

After those assessments, some advanced and others fell back. Less used players are likelier to be moved, with Cuéllar, Cristaldo and Aravena among those whose chances have narrowed.

Six academy players were promoted, goalkeeper Gabriel Menegon, defender Luís Eduardo, midfielders Tiaguinho and Jefinho, and forwards Gabriel Mec and Roger. They can also return to the under-20s.

Since the change of management, departures include Adriel, Alex Santana, Alysson, Arezo, Camilo, Carballo, Cristian Olivera, Enzo, Jemerson, João Lucas, Jorge, Lucas Esteves, Mila, Rodrigo Ely, Ronald and Tiago Volpi. They left via sales, loans or contract terminations.

With those signings, the squad will contain 14 foreign players. CBF competitions permit only nine per match, while Conmebol events, including the Copa Sudamericana, have no limit.

Two foreign players are recovering from serious injuries and are expected back between late March and early April. Braithwaite tore his left Achilles in September, and Villasanti ruptured his left ACL last August.

Source: Globo.com