Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk is progressing in talks with an attacking midfielder that Liverpool previously were interested in.
Image Credits: Imago Images
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Shakhtar Donetsk are making strong progress in talks to sign Gabriel Mec from Grêmio, with negotiations “well underway” as the Ukrainian club push hard to land one of South America’s most sought-after young attackers .
The 17-year-old has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time.
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Back in November, journalist Kaliel Dorneles reported that Liverpool, alongside Zenit and Porto, had requested contract details on Mec while he was starring for Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Dorneles noted at the time that “Liverpool’s scouts are watching him closely,” though he stressed there was “no formal offer yet” from the Reds beyond genuine scouting interest.
That interest appeared to intensify weeks later, when reports out of Brazil claimed Liverpool were preparing an official bid worth around €15 million (£12.5 million) for the teenager, with journalist Fábio Vargas suggesting Grêmio viewed the proposal as a positive starting point for negotiations.
This isn’t Mec’s first brush with a European move.
He had previously been on the verge of joining Shakhtar after an earlier bid was accepted, only for the deal to collapse when the player opted to delay his departure from Brazil.
Now, months on, it appears Shakhtar have returned to the table and are closing in on securing his signature after all.
Mec’s rise has been rapid: he wore the number 10 shirt for Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup, playing every match as his side reached the semi-finals before losing to Portugal on penalties.
His combination of pace, technical quality, and comfort operating as an attacking midfielder has made him one of the most tracked prospects in South American football over the past year, with Chelsea also previously showing serious interest before that move fell through.
For Liverpool, this development likely means the door has closed on what was, at best, an early-stage scouting mission rather than an advanced pursuit.
🚨🟠⚫️ Shakhtar Donetsk, progressing in talks to sign Gabriel Mec from Gremio.
Negotiations well underway, Shakhtar work hard on ambitious targets to play UCL. pic.twitter.com/8MhqJOrppi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2026
Gabriel Mec