Vasco block Grêmio move for Paulo Henrique as defender backs club stance | OneFootball

Vasco have drawn a line in this window, rejecting Grêmio’s approaches for right-back Paulo Henrique, and the player has aligned with the club’s stance.

According to PaponaColina, Grêmio tabled a lucrative personal offer, but Paulo Henrique chose not to advance talks out of respect for Vasco’s position. His camp has received enquiries from Brazil and abroad since late last year, yet none has progressed.

Grêmio continue to scour the market for a right-back, targeting a financially viable deal that fits the coach’s brief. Vasco are taking a defensive stance, unwilling to sell any starter, and would only consider an irresistible fee for Paulo Henrique, who is 29 and on Brazil’s radar.

The Rio club’s planning has been unsettled by recent losses. Rayan and Vegetti departed early in the year, and Coutinho has requested to terminate his contract, leaving the captain and number 10 poised to exit this window. Keeping Paulo Henrique has therefore become a staff priority.

The defender did not begin 2026 at full tilt, citing foot pain and missing some state fixtures. He has returned to the bench for key games against Bahia and Volta Redonda, and could reclaim the right-back slot against Fluminense.

He has 130 appearances for Vasco, with six goals and 11 assists, and was named the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro’s best right-back. Carlo Ancelotti has since called him up for Brazil, and he scored a notable goal in a friendly against Japan, so mid-range bids are unlikely to sway Vasco.

Source: PaponaColina