Liverpool on the verge of sealing deal for €15 million rated star linked with move to Real Madrid: Reports

Liverpool are reportedly set to beat Real Madrid in the race to sign Gabriel Mec from Gremio. The 17-year-old Brazilian is touted as the next Vinicius Jr and can move to Europe in the summer of 2026.

According to a report by Brazilian journalist Fabio Vargas (via Defense Central), Liverpool are on the verge of sealing the deal with Gremio and Mec. They have jumped ahead in the race for the winger, leaving Real Madrid stunned.

The report suggests that the Reds are set to sign the teenager for €15 million and will get him to join the club at the end of the season. Mec is yet to turn 18 and will be eligible to join a club outside Brazil after April, the month he celebrates his birthday.

The teenager has been a long-term target for Chelsea, and he confirmed their interest in a recent interview with ESPN Brazil. He admitted that the interest from the Stamford Bridge side was interesting for him as they have several stars from his country and said:

“The talks with Chelsea were real. It is a very big club, you cannot deny that. There are many Brazilians there as well. I was happy, really happy, that they showed interest. They came to watch some matches. I always say that the future depends on the present. If I keep getting good results, working properly and doing my job, clubs will keep watching.”

Real Madrid also have a host of Brazilians, with Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Endrick, who has just left on loan for Lyon. However, they seem to be missing out on another teenager after losing the battle for Estevao Willian and Vitor Reis in recent windows.

Liverpool star spoke about interest from Real Madrid before they dropped out

Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate was excited about the links with Real Madrid. He spoke about the Spanish side in February and said (via Liverpool.com):

"Hearing big clubs like that being interested is very flattering, but now I'm focusing on this season; I want to win everything - take as many titles as possible and then everything that happens in relation to my contractual situation. It's my agents, my advisors who take care of that."

However, his contract talks have not progressed at Anfield, despite reports from Fabrizio Romano. He added earlier this season:

“Who talked about that a few months ago? The club didn’t say anything, I didn’t say anything. It’s one person that said that. I didn’t know, after I spoke with the club, but I think I am really focused on what happens now. We will see what will happen.”

The Athletic have reported that Konate is no longer in their wishlist and they have informed Liverpool that a move will not happen in 2026.

Edited by Sripad