Wagner Leonardo transfer saga between Grêmio and Vitória

Grêmio and Vitória are engaged in negotiations over the possible return of centre‑back Wagner Leonardo to the Bahia club. According to reports, the clubs have reached a near‑final agreement, with only bureaucratic steps remaining and an expected move in the July 20 transfer window. The defender, who left Vitória in February 2025 for a US$26 million deal, is seen as a key defensive addition.

Vitória president Fábio Mota, however, told reporters on Thursday that no active negotiations are taking place, saying the club’s efforts to bring Leonardo back stalled and that they have already signed defender Emmanuel Brítez. Vitória’s football director also reminded that Grêmio still owes the club roughly US$2.5 million from the earlier transfer, a debt that complicates any new deal.