Tottenham Hotspur have entered the competition to sign Viery, a 21-year-old centre-back from Brazilian side Gremio, according to a report from Brazilian outlet Portal do Gremista. The player has a reported release clause of €50 million (£43m). Several other clubs are also tracking the defender, including Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Benfica, Fiorentina, and Sunderland.
Tottenham have already been active in the transfer window, securing the free transfers of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi as they look to improve following back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League. The club is also reportedly confident of signing Savinho from Manchester City and Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, though two bids for the latter have already been rejected. Further additions in attacking and midfield positions are also being considered.
Viery has established himself as a key player for Gremio under manager Luis Castro this season. He is described as a left-footed, mobile, and aggressive defender who is comfortable in possession. Gremio have already turned down offers for the player, including bids of around €12 million (£10.3m) from Newcastle and Fiorentina, and a more recent proposal of €15 million (£12.9m) from an unnamed club. A further indication of a €17 million (£14.6m) offer, plus €3 million (£2.6m) in bonuses, has also been received.
The arrival of Tottenham and Sunderland into the race is expected to potentially increase the competition and drive up the transfer fee. Scouts from several English and Italian clubs have recently attended Gremio matches to assess Viery’s abilities. While Gremio are unlikely to receive offers matching his €50 million release clause, they are holding out for a fee significantly above the previously rejected bids. This pursuit echoes Tottenham’s January move for Souza from Santos, demonstrating a willingness to look to South America for talent. A successful acquisition of Viery would bolster Tottenham’s defensive options ahead of the new season.
