Manchester City were linked to teenager Bernardo Zortea in early August. Reports in Brazil said the Premier League club had made enquiries about the Grêmio midfielder.
[**As we covered at the time**](https://sportwitness.co.uk/manchester-city-keen-on-brazilian-youngster-bernardo-zortea-internal-dispute-could-unlock-transfer/), his contract situation created an opening for external interest. That scenario has now changed. Grêmio have renewed the 18-year-old’s deal, which means any move will only happen for a higher fee.
Journalist [**Kaliel Dorneles**](https://x.com/Kaliel_Dorneles/status/1989363172403454090?s=20) reports that Grêmio extended Zortea’s contract until the end of 2027, with an option for another season.
The release clause is now set at €60m. This new agreement closes a chapter that slowed talks for months. Grêmio and Chapecoense had disagreed over the division of his economic rights, but the clubs have now resolved that issue, allowing the renewal to go through.
Zortea is now a key player at Grêmio’s U21 side, and he plays as a holding midfielder. He is known for his positioning, passing and maturity.
Manchester City tracked Zortea during the dispute, but the renewal strengthens Grêmio’s stance. As a result, any future approach will depend on how the youngster develops in his transition to senior football and whether City consider him worth the new price.