Grêmio have completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Souza from Porto on a four-year contract.
Souza, 23, who spent last season on-loan with the Porto Alegre club, will arrive back in Brazil on Friday morning to formalise the transfer from the Portuguese giants.
The fee for the midfielder has yet to be disclosed but, despite Porto wanting €10 million for the player, it was believed that Grêmio offered €3 million for 50% of the player’s economic rights.
“It was not only the contractual issue. There has never been the chance to loan. We are gaining economic rights. He is the club’s player,” director of football Rui Costa told Globo Esporte on Thursday evening.
Souza played 57 games for Grêmio last season and become a key player for Vanderlei Luxemburgo as the tricolour finished third in the Brasileirão.
The completion of the deal will also mean that Souza is free to play in the vital Copa Libertadores playoff match against LDU. The first leg will be played in Quito, Ecuador, on 23rd January.
Source: Globo Esporte
