Gabriel Mec's €12 million transfer to Shakhtar Donetsk collapses

Grêmio and Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk were close to completing the transfer of 18‑year‑old Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Mec for a fixed fee of about €12 million, plus performance‑related bonuses. The deal, which would have brought Grêmio roughly €9.6 million (80% of the rights), fell apart after the player and his representatives rejected additional salary and bonus demands, including a requested €1 million bonus linked to match appearances. Concerns over the club’s project, contractual terms and the impact of the Russia‑Ukraine war also contributed to the impasse. With no official statements from either side, Gabriel Mec remains on Grêmio’s roster and is available for the upcoming season, while Shakhtar continues to explore other options in the Brazilian market.