Shakhtar Agree €12m Deal with Grêmio for Gabriel Mec — But Player Holds Out

Shakhtar Donetsk have reached an agreement with Brazilian side Grêmio for attacking midfielder Gabriel Mec, but the move is far from done. According to Globo, Grêmio accepted a €12 million offer plus bonuses from the Ukrainian club. Yet the final say rests with the 18-year-old and his representatives. Mec is keen on a European career, but he is not rushing to commit to a move to Ukraine. This is the only formal bid Grêmio have received for their youngster so far. The fee is below the club's initial valuation, but Grêmio management agreed given the player's desire to leave this summer. Interestingly, Shakhtar had previously offered €15 million for Mec last year, but he turned it down, favouring other European leagues. Now the ball is back in his court. This season, Gabriel Mec has played 28 matches for Grêmio, scoring three goals and providing two assists.