Viery Fernandes: Grêmio's Rising Star Linked to Sunderland Move This Summer

PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL - MARCH 19: Viery Fernandes of Grêmio skillfully maneuvers the ball during the Brasileirão 2026 match against Vitoria at Arena do Grêmio. (Photo by Richard Ducker/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

In a football landscape increasingly favoring versatile defenders, Grêmio’s 21-year-old talent, Viery Fernandes, has emerged as a player attracting significant attention from elite clubs. With the tactical demands of coaches like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta placing a premium on defenders who can effectively distribute the ball from the left side, Viery’s unique skill set may make him a prime target for teams looking to bolster their defensive line.

Viery, standing tall at 6'1", possesses a rare combination of physical prowess and technical ability as a left-footed center-back. He is also capable of filling in as a left-back when needed. A product of Grêmio's youth academy, Viery has been with the club since joining at the age of ten and has steadily climbed the ranks to secure a position on the first team.

Analyzing his performances in the 2026 season across both the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and the CONMEBOL Sudamericana reveals a player who, while showcasing solid technical skills, still has areas that require improvement before making a move to Europe’s top leagues. Viery has made 84 clearances this season, emphasizing his ability to defend under pressure, though his defensive contributions are somewhat skewed due to Grêmio's struggles in the league.

In terms of duel success, he ranks near the middle of the pack, winning 52% of his duels and 51% of aerial challenges. These figures reflect the challenges faced during his inaugural senior season. Comparatively, established players like Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete, who have significantly higher aerial duel success rates, highlight areas where Viery can grow. Fortunately, he is under the guidance of Régis Le Bris, a respected youth coach, which should assist in his development.

While Viery excels in last-ditch defending, his proactive metrics need work, as evidenced by just eight interceptions this season. However, his distribution skills stand out; he boasts an impressive 85.0% pass completion rate, placing him in the top percentile for passing accuracy, indicating his potential to transition the ball effectively to more creative midfielders.

Overall, Viery should not be seen as an instant replacement for a seasoned starter but rather as a promising project with significant upside. As Sunderland prepares for a busier schedule with Europa League fixtures, his combination of strong passing ability and physical attributes could make him a valuable addition to their defense.