Manchester City lodge transfer enquiry over Bernardo Zortea | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City and within the City Football Group have reportedly lodged a transfer enquiry over the potential recruitment of Brazilian talent Bernardo Zortea.

Zortea, who has drawn praise for his maturity and deep understanding, has recently become a regular feature in Grêmio’s senior setup under head coach Mano Menezes. The 18-year-old has progressed through the club’s ranks with growing reputation, having first emerged at Chapecoense before joining Grêmio’s youth system.

Now a holding midfielder with first-team responsibilities, Zortea’s development has not gone unnoticed by scouts and technical departments beyond Brazil. His technical skill set – particularly composure in possession, tactical awareness, and vision – has made him one of the standout young midfielders in South America.

Francesco Barletta, general coordinator of Grêmio’s youth academy, recently praised the teenager in an interview, “He is a boy who plays more as a holding midfielder, with a good body type for the role, good technique and strong understanding of the game. What will be most valuable for him is the fact that he listens a lot and wants to learn.”

That hunger to evolve has now reportedly caught the attention of several parties, including some of European football’s biggest talent networks. The City Football Group, who continue to expand their presence across Brazil and South America, are increasingly using their global scouting network to tap into emerging markets.

Previous CFG-related interest in South American talents – and the group’s increasing involvement in player development at the source – align well with this latest move, particularly given Manchester City’s recent emphasis on long-term midfield succession planning amid shifting squad dynamics.

According to the information of Band’s Kaliel Dorneles, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are keeping an eye on Brazilian youngster Bernardo Zortea through the City Football Group, alongside a number of Brazilian clubs.

It is detailed that an enquiry has been made about the 18-year-old midfielder, leading his current club Grêmio to intensify efforts over a potential contract renewal, with his existing deal running until the summer of 2026 and negotiations over an extension having stalled.

Offering insight into the technicalities of the stall in talk, the report states that there is currently a dispute between Grêmio and Chapecoense regarding the division of the player’s economic rights, with Zortea having started his career at Chapecoense.

Should City or the wider CFG network pursue a deal in the short term, they would likely face both logistical and competitive challenges. The ongoing dispute over economic rights between Grêmio and Chapecoense may complicate any swift resolution, while rival clubs in Brazil continue to monitor the situation closely.

For Manchester City, a potential move for Zortea may also be structured creatively through one of their South American or European CFG clubs. Recent examples – such as the signing and immediate placement of players like Claudio Echeverri or Vitor Reis – offer a template. A transfer followed by a development loan within the group, possibly to a club like Bahia or Girona, would align with CFG’s approach of gradual integration.

As City continue shaping the next generation of their midfield, especially with Pep Guardiola’s tenure running until 2027, monitoring profiles like Zortea represents both a strategic and forward-thinking investment. If City do advance beyond the enquiry stage, the coming months may bring further developments – including possible bids, loan proposals, or collaborative agreements designed to navigate the complex Brazilian football market.