Evangelos Marinakis’ Olympiacos are looking at another young Brazilian defender, just months after Nottingham Forest missed out on Viery.
The Greek club want to sign 18-year-old Luis Eduardo from Grêmio. They face competition from Shakhtar Donetsk, who already have a preliminary agreement with the Brazilian side.
The thing is we have an interesting connection here. Viery came through Grêmio’s academy alongside Luis Eduardo, and Nottingham Forest pursued him during the summer. The defender eventually joined Fiorentina – and looks like the English club won’t really regret it.
But now another Grêmio youngster has caught the attention of a Marinakis-owned club. This time, Olympiacos could make their move in January.
Olympiacos trying to beat Shakhtar to Luis Eduardo
According to Brazilian newspaper Lance!, journalist Nathalia Gomes has learned that Olympiacos remain interested in Luis Eduardo despite losing ground to Shakhtar.
Both clubs offered €8m (£6.9m) during the previous transfer window. The Ukrainians made progress in September and reached a preliminary agreement with Grêmio.
Olympiacos also approached the Brazilian club, although their proposal didn’t convince Grêmio to sell at the time.
The situation has now changed financially. Grêmio are open to selling Luis Eduardo, but the competition between the two European clubs has pushed their expectations higher.
The player’s representatives are working with a figure of around €12m (£10.4m). That’s 50% more than either club previously offered.
Shakhtar currently lead the race, although nothing has been finalised. Olympiacos could therefore return with another proposal ahead of the January 2027 window.
Familiar path for a smart target
Olympiacos have already become a potential stepping stone towards Nottingham Forest for players within Marinakis’ football operation.
Gustavo Puerta and Gustavo Sá are currently at the Greek club, with plans for both to move to Forest next year.
That makes Luis Eduardo’s situation worth following, as a move to Olympiacos could potentially open the same route towards the Premier League.
Of course, there is no suggestion that Forest have plans to sign him. Still, considering Viery’ pursuit in the summer, another defender from the same academy could now enter Marinakis’ football network.
