Tottenham and Sunderland have now entered the race for Grêmio defender Viery. This adds further Premier League competition around a player whose valuation continues to rise in Brazil.
Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Brighton have already been linked with the 21-year-old, while Benfica and Fiorentina have also shown interest. The latest reports from Brazil suggest the list of suitors is growing rather than shrinking.
That is exactly what Grêmio expected when they decided to reject early approaches.
Viery has become one of the breakout defenders in Brazilian football this season. After beginning the year outside the club’s strongest defensive plans, he has turned into an undisputed starter under Luís Castro.
His profile is particularly attractive to European clubs. Viery is left-footed, mobile, aggressive defensively and comfortable in possession – attributes increasingly difficult to find together in young centre-backs.
Tottenham and Sunderland join growing queue
According to Portal do Gremista, Tottenham and Sunderland are among the latest clubs to enter the race for the defender.
They join Newcastle, Brighton, Nottingham Forest Roma, Juventus and Fiorentina among the clubs credited with monitoring the player.
Scouts from England and Italy have recently attended Grêmio matches to watch Viery in action. Furthermore, interest has already moved beyond observation in some cases.
Both Newcastle and Fiorentina have reportedly seen offers worth €12m (£10.3m) rejected by the Brazilian side. Those rejections now make more sense.
Grêmio waiting for bigger Premier League offer
Recent information from GZH suggests Grêmio have already received indications of a €15m (£12.9m) proposal.
Even more significantly, the club are said to have received a promise of an offer from a Premier League side worth €17m (£14.6m). In addition, there is a further €3m (£2.6m) in bonuses.
That package would take the total value to €20m (£17.2m). This brings it much closer to the level Grêmio have been seeking throughout negotiations. We don’t know the bidding club’s name yet, though.
The Brazilian club have consistently signalled they value Viery well above the €12m (£10.3m) mark.
Recent reports have suggested asking prices ranging from €20m (£17.2m) to €25m (£21.5m). Yet the player’s release clause stands at €50m (£43m).
Newcastle facing a more crowded battle
The Magpies were among the first clubs linked with Viery and are reported to have progressed their interest into a formal proposal.
However, the entrance of Tottenham and Sunderland adds further Premier League competition at a time when Grêmio believe their desired fee will eventually arrive.
That confidence appears to be growing internally. According to GZH, Grêmio now expect the offer they want to receive during this transfer window because of the sheer number of clubs following the defender.
With Tottenham and Sunderland now joining an already lengthy list of admirers, the focus may soon shift away from whether Viery leaves and towards which club is prepared to meet Grêmio’s demands first.
