FC Porto are preparing an eight million euro offer for Grêmio's 18-year-old Brazilian forward Gabriel Mec, according to a report by Leonino. The creative player, whose contract runs until June 2027, will be free to sign a pre-contract with another club from January.
The Portuguese club, who currently sit top of the Primeira Liga with 12 points from four wins in four games, are looking to bolster their attack with a promising talent. The team boasts a perfect defensive record, having scored nine goals and conceded none, and are preparing to host Moreirense this weekend, as you can see on our fixtures page.
Who is Gabriel Mec?
Gabriel Mec is an 18-year-old creative player who can operate across all three attacking channels, with most of his experience coming as a second striker or attacking midfielder. In the 2026 season for Grêmio, he played 32 matches, totalling 1,452 minutes, and contributed three goals and two assists. His versatility and potential for progression, coupled with his status as a Brazil youth international, are the factors that have attracted Porto's attention. His current market value is estimated at 16 million euros, double the amount of Porto's planned bid.
What is the context of Porto's bid?
Porto's move comes at a time of on-field strength. Sérgio Conceição's side holds a two-point lead over Sporting CP at the summit of the table, a detail you can follow on our standings. The club's administration appears keen to capitalise on this positive momentum to strengthen the squad for the medium term, betting on a youngster who could join the squad from the next transfer window. The player's ability to sign a pre-contract in January adds urgency to this operation.
What other market moves are relevant?
The Leonino report also touches on the case of Juan Jesus, a 35-year-old Brazilian centre-back who was linked with Sporting. However, the player, who made 35 appearances (including seven in the Champions League) for his previous club in the 2025/26 season, did not fit the profile Sporting wanted for defensive reinforcement. Sporting, led by Frederico Varandas, prioritised signings with greater potential for future valuation, such as Ibrahima Ba. Juan Jesus ended up signing a one-year deal with Venezia, the club that finished 19th in the Italian league.
How does this compare to other league news?
Elsewhere in Iberian football, Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone commented on the adaptation of former Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand. "He comes from a league where the game is played slower, which doesn't have the speed of the game in Spain or England," Simeone said. The Argentine added: "He is trying, little by little, to gain confidence and greater speed." Hjulmand was a starter for the second consecutive matchday in a 3-1 win over Sevilla.
For Porto, the immediate focus is on the league and consolidating their lead. The potential move for Gabriel Mec reflects a future-focused market strategy, while the first team aims to maintain its impressive early-season form of four consecutive wins.
