Who’s Gabriel Mec? Strengths, weaknesses & every little thing it is advisable learn about Chelsea goal

Chelsea’s pursuit of soccer’s future superstars continues its relentless cost round South America.

Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian have already signed on, with Aaron Anselmino set to comply with go well with, and subsequent up seems to be Gremio winger Gabriel Mec, with the 16-year-old near securing a £20m change to Stamford Bridge.

This is every little thing it is advisable learn about Mec.

Mec joined Gremio on the age of 9 and rapidly made an impression enjoying above his age group. The teenager featured usually for the Below-17 facet and even turned a fixture within the Below-20 outfit earlier in 2024.

A deal was struck with NR Sports activities, the company firm of Neymar’s father, when Mec was simply 14 years previous, and 12 months later, they as soon as once more adopted within the Al Hilal winger’s footsteps by agreeing a picture licensing and exploitation cope with Gremio which gave them the liberty to revenue from his picture – a perception that Mec’s title may quickly carry worth better than his membership may handle. Such a deal is uncommon in Brazilian soccer and hit the headlines when Neymar’s camp shook arms with Santos after his breakthrough.

When he turned 16 in April 2024, Gremio have been making an attempt to tie Mec all the way down to his first senior contract, which he would signal when he turns 18. The membership wished at hand him the most important launch clause of their historical past at 1bn reais (£136.8m), however a want from Mec’s brokers to maintain the discharge clause under £100m led to a stall in talks.

Stories counsel that stumbling level truly noticed Mec’s title withdrawn from the 2024 Sao Paulo Junior Soccer Cup, with Gremio involved about handing their future famous person extra time within the limelight and not using a formal contract settlement.

Coming via the Gremio academy, comparisons to Ronaldinho have by no means been far-off, nevertheless it’s virtually exhausting not to attract similarities between the 2 due to Mec’s unbelievable dribbling abilities.

Mec’s means to manage the ball when flying forwards at excessive speeds has astounded those that have watched him, with native radio presenter Celeni Viana insisting he has by no means seen anyone in Brazilian soccer come near replicating Ronaldinho’s well-known dribbling talents.

Not solely is Mec a strong runner with the ball at his ft, however the teenager additionally loves so as to add aptitude to his recreation. He by no means shies away from a one-on-one battle and studies from his hometown of Rio de Janeiro even state that the title Mec – a slang time period for ‘calm’ in Rio – was given to him due to his composure relating to beating a defender.

A lot of Mec’s areas of concern may be attributed to his age and inexperience.

Some scouts have expressed concern about his want to try to do an excessive amount of on the ball – a facet impact of his immense confidence – whereas others have highlighted the truth that he’s nonetheless rising into his physique.

Mec is a slender winger who has work to do bodily earlier than he would take a look at residence in senior soccer, however Gremio have lengthy had him comply with a development plan and have privately expressed confidence that his body will quickly be a bonus.

Mec could also be usually in comparison with Ronaldinho, nevertheless it’s Neymar who {the teenager} cites as his largest inspiration in soccer.

Neymar Sr. has been looking for Mec for the previous few years and helped facilitate a gathering between the teenager and his idol to assist inspire Mec to achieve his full potential.

Gremio’s want to try to preserve Mec’s growth a secret was largely profitable for a number of years, however studies from Brazil quickly claimed Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain had caught wind of his performances at youth stage.

As soon as Chelsea‘s dedication to strike a deal turned identified, Gremio may now not disguise.

“If folks from overseas are watching, this child has a future,” Gremio supervisor Renato Gaucho advised the media.

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