Emerging
Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Peñarol Executes Option to Buy Matías Arezo from Grêmio

Peñarol has decided to permanently acquire striker Matías Arezo from Grêmio for approximately $3.5 million. The Uruguayan club is finalizing contract terms and also resolving economic rights payments owed to River Plate, which owns half of the player's rights.
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Quick Facts
Who
Peñarol
What
Peñarol exercises purchase option for Matías Arezo
When
decision made on Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Where
Uruguay
- Peñarol exercises purchase option for Matías Arezo
- payment of $3.5 million to Grêmio
- new contract terms being negotiated with Arezo
- River Plate claims 50% of transfer fee
- River Plate sends formal notice regarding unpaid debt
Uruguayan club Peñarol has decided to exercise its purchase option for striker Matías Arezo, who was on loan from Brazilian side Grêmio. The club will pay approximately $3.5 million (around R$ 17.7 million) to make the transfer permanent, confirming an internal decision made during a meeting on Tuesday, June 16.
Peñarol must finalize the payment before the option’s June 30 deadline and is currently working out new contract terms with the 23-year-old forward. Arezo has scored nine goals in 23 appearances for Peñarol in 2026 and helped the team win the Uruguayan Super Cup this year.
Grêmio, which originally signed Arezo from Granada in July 2024 for €3 million, recovers part of its investment through the sale. The Brazilian club had loaned Arezo to Peñarol through December 2026, but the Uruguayan side chose to activate the purchase clause early.
The deal also involves River Plate of Uruguay, which holds 50% of Arezo's economic rights. River has been seeking half of the transfer fee from Grêmio, including an unpaid $100,000 installment tied to the original loan. The club has sent a formal notice to Grêmio and has threatened to escalate the matter to FIFA, which could impose a transfer ban if the debt is not resolved within 45 days.
Peñarol management has stated that the $400,000 loan fee for Arezo in 2026 is included within the $3.5 million purchase price. The club aims to complete all formalities quickly to secure Arezo's long-term services.
Why This Matters
This move secures a key striker for Peñarol's long-term attack, while the unresolved River Plate claim could trigger a FIFA transfer ban if not settled within 45 days. For Grêmio, the sale recovers part of their investment, but the pending $100,000 installment highlights the financial complexities of multi-club player ownership.
Timeline & Sources
Jul 1, 2024
WireGrêmio signs Matías Arezo from Granada for €3 million
Jan 1, 2026
WireArezo loaned to Peñarol through December 2026
Jun 16, 2026
WirePeñarol internally decides to exercise purchase option
Jun 17, 2026
WireMedia reports confirm the decision to buy Arezo
Jun 18, 2026
WireFurther details emerge on River Plate's claim for 50% of transfer fee
Jun 30, 2026
WireDeadline to exercise purchase option