Newcastle Lead Six-Club Race For Grêmio Wonderkid Viery

Grêmio FBPA defender Viery is rapidly emerging as one of South America’s hottest young defensive prospects, with SportsBoom understanding that a growing list of European clubs are now actively tracking the 21-year-old centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window.

Sources close to the situation have confirmed that Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion, Benfica, Lille and Bologna are all closely monitoring the Brazilian.

Among them, Newcastle have taken the strongest step so far. SportsBoom understands the Premier League side has dispatched a club representative to follow Viery in person, signalling serious intent beyond routine scouting and video analysis. 

The Magpies are believed to be carrying out extensive checks on the defender as they weigh up a possible summer move.

Gremio Standing Firm On Valuation

Gremio are understood to value Viery at around €20 million and are under no pressure to sell. 

The defender remains under contract until December 2029, with his latest deal also including a release clause worth approximately €50m for overseas clubs.

That contractual position leaves the Brazilian side in a strong negotiating stance heading into the transfer window, with club officials prepared to wait for the right proposal rather than sanction a cut-price departure.

Bologna Eyeing Lucumi Replacement

Bologna’s interest is tied closely to the future of Jhon Lucumí, who is widely expected to leave the Serie A side this summer.

SportsBoom understands the Italian club views Viery as a potential long-term replacement and are currently assessing the financial viability of a deal. 

No formal bid has been submitted at this stage, but internal discussions are ongoing as Bologna map out possible defensive reinforcements.

Given Bologna’s recent recruitment success under sporting director Giovanni Sartori, the growing interest in Viery is being viewed as significant.

Benfica, Lille, and Brighton Monitoring Situation

Benfica have also explored the terms of a potential deal through intermediary channels, although no direct contact with Gremio has taken place yet.

Meanwhile, Lille continue to assess the market for emerging defensive talent, with Viery fitting the Ligue 1 club’s established strategy of targeting young, high-upside players before their value explodes.

Brighton, renowned for their data-led recruitment model and strong South American scouting network, have likewise added the Brazilian to their shortlist. Nottingham Forest are also believed to be considering the defender as they look to strengthen a back line that struggled for consistency last season.

Why Viery Is Attracting Attention

Despite being only 21, Viery has already impressed scouts with his composure, positional awareness and maturity in defensive situations. His reading of the game, calmness in possession and ability to organise defensively have marked him out as one of the standout young centre-backs currently emerging from Brazil.

The defender has quickly established himself as a key figure in Gremio’s defensive structure, a transition that many inside the club believe underlines both his mentality and long-term ceiling.

Transfer Battle Expected To Intensify

At present, all interested clubs remain in the monitoring and information-gathering phase. 

However, with multiple European sides converging around the same target, the expectation is that the race could accelerate rapidly once the summer window officially opens.

SportsBoom understands that any club prepared to meet, or move beyond, Gremio’s €20m valuation may gain a decisive advantage in the battle for one of Brazil’s most highly-rated young defenders.