Cruzeiro’s Gómez chase hits major roadblock | OneFootball

Cruzeiro’s hopes of landing Valentin Gómez from Vélez Sarsfield remain in doubt, with the Argentine club refusing to consider anything but a permanent transfer, according to Globo. In recent weeks, Cruzeiro tabled a new proposal for the highly regarded centre-back, seeking a loan with an option to buy. However, Vélez, steadfast in their stance, rejected not only Cruzeiro’s attempt but also similar loan-based approaches from other clubs.

This latest impasse continues what has become a drawn-out transfer saga. Cruzeiro’s move came while Alexandre Mattos was still overseeing their football operations, in an effort to reinforce the defensive line for the remainder of the Brasileirão campaign. Despite interest and an evident desire from Gómez—who was already keen on a move to Belo Horizonte during the January window—the negotiations once again stalled, echoing previous failed attempts. Argentine press reports suggest Gómez has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of offers he and the club find sufficiently attractive to sanction his departure from Argentina.

For now, the 20-year-old defender remains involved with Vélez’s first team, featuring as a starter in their recent pre-season friendly against Defensa y Justicia. Cruzeiro, meanwhile, maintain their search for additional strength at centre-back as the season intensifies and squad depth becomes vital. With Gómez off the table unless a full transfer fee is agreed, the focus may shift to other profiles, such as Brayan Medina of América de Cali—though at this stage, that interest has not yet materialised into a formal bid.

A further indication of Cruzeiro's ambitions is their interest in Victor Jesus from Internacional. However, negotiations on that front are also proving complex, with Internacional reportedly unwilling to sell.

With the window still open, Cruzeiro’s recruitment team continues to analyse alternatives across South America to avoid being caught short in a busy fixture schedule. The question remains whether the club will move to meet Vélez’s fixed demands for Gómez or whether attention will turn fully to other defensive targets, as expectations from supporters remain high.

Original source: Globo.