Vitória advance talks with Grêmio over Wagner Leonardo return | OneFootball

Vitória and Grêmio have moved forward in negotiations for Wagner Leonardo, who is now closer to a permanent return, with only a few details still to settle.

According to Globo.com, Grêmio owe Vitória sums from the player's 2025 purchase. They want to offset part of that debt and keep a share of the centre-back's economic rights for what has already been paid, points still under debate.

Both sides view the defender's return as positive. Vitória recently made an offer, but the figures did not satisfy Grêmio, and an attempt in the early part of the year also stalled.

Last Wednesday, Vitória announced Emanuel Brítez. President Fábio Mota said there had been an attempt for Wagner Leonardo before the Argentine was confirmed, and at the time he denied ongoing talks.

Wagner Leonardo is currently a reserve at Grêmio and has been losing minutes. In the last friendly against Chapecoense, coach Luís Castro improvised youngster Luís Eduardo on the left, and the club are seeking a left-sided option after Viery was sold to Fiorentina.

The defender joined Vitória in 2023, became a regular starter and captain, and was a key figure in the 2023 Série B title and the 2024 Campeonato Baiano. He played 97 games, scoring 11 goals with one assist. Relations with some fans cooled after his Grêmio unveiling, when he said he was returning to a big club after coming through at Santos.

Source: Globo.com