# Grêmio midfield player transfers

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/grmio-midfield-player-transfers
> Updated: 2026-08-15T18:58:33.000Z. Sources: 136. Developments: 2.

Grêmio has initiated a restructuring of its midfield through player transfers involving Argentine and Brazilian clubs.

On August 10, Grêmio announced the one-year loan of 21-year-old Argentine defensive midfielder Leonel Pérez to Racing Club. The agreement includes a $3.5 million purchase option, a move intended to provide financial relief by offsetting debts Grêmio owes Racing for the previous acquisition of player Nardoni. Grêmio vice-president Rafael Lima noted the move would allow Pérez to adapt better to football following his initial challenges in Brazil.

Following Pérez’s departure, Grêmio signed 30-year-old defensive midfielder Danilo Barbosa to fill the vacancy. Barbosa, a former Copa Libertadores champion, joined from Al Ula in the Saudi second division upon the recommendation of manager Luís Castro. Barbosa is expected to sign a contract through the end of 2028.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Santos defeats Vasco 3-0 to exit relegation zone

Santos defeated Vasco 3-0 in the Campeonato Brasileiro, moving out of the relegation zone, while negotiating a player exchange with Racing involving Adonis Frías.

132 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grmio-reshuffles-midfield-with-danilo-barbosa-signing-and-leonel-prez-loan

### 2026-08-10: Grêmio loans Leonel Pérez to Racing Club

Grêmio has loaned Argentine midfielder Leonel Pérez to Racing Club on a one-year deal, featuring a $3.5 million purchase option to help manage the club's financial obligations.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grmio-loans-leonel-prez-to-racing-club

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Cite as: Grêmio midfield player transfers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/grmio-midfield-player-transfers