Vasco consider signing Andrei Girotto but slow move for centre-back | OneFootball

Vasco kept its radar fully active in the transfer market in search of experienced options to strengthen the defensive sector. The board inquired about the terms of a deal for center-back Andrei Girotto, identified as a high-profile name to provide solidity at the back. However, internal concerns regarding the player’s physical condition halted progress in the talks, leading him to join Al Faisaly of Saudi Arabia on a free transfer.

The Giant of the Hill also made a quick inquiry about young Marco Di Cesare of Racing, but the possibility was promptly ruled out. The directors chose not to open two major fronts with the same Argentine club, since talks to bring in defensive midfielder Santiago Sosa are already at an advanced stage. The search for a new center-forward is seen as even more urgent than signing defenders for the squad.

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Andrei Girotto marking Cristiano Ronaldo — Photo: Al-Taawoun/Disclosure

Vasco’s center-back situation and midfield reinforcements

The Vasco board has been using the pairing of Carlos Cuesta and Robert Renan as the undisputed starters in central defense. On the bench, the direct options for the position are Lucas Freitas and Uruguayan Alan Saldivia. The latter has been facing heavy criticism from the fans due to his recent performances, but chose to turn down offers from Argentine clubs in an attempt to regain his place in Rio de Janeiro.

The São Januário side is trying to manage several parallel negotiations behind the scenes with the R$100 million budget authorized by Marcos Lamacchia for the Brazilian Championship. The football department remains optimistic about sealing Sosa’s signing later this week, while negotiations for Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa have dragged on for more than a month. The management’s goal is to complete the deals as loans with purchase options fixed in the contracts.

Who is Andrei Girotto?

Andrei Girotto is a 34-year-old player with a successful and well-established track record in Brazilian football, having enjoyed notable spells with Palmeiras and Chapecoense. The defender also built a solid career abroad, where he played for France’s Nantes for six consecutive seasons in Europe’s top flight before moving to Saudi side Al-Taawoun. The player stands out for his versatility, operating both in central defense and as a holding midfielder.

Vasco chose not to move forward with the signing precisely because of the wear and tear the player has accumulated in recent international leagues. With the bureaucratic transition of the SAF alongside 777 Partners still ongoing, the coaching staff is demanding reinforcements capable of handling a heavy run of knockout matches and a relegation battle. Because of this, the experienced player’s name was shelved to make room for new targets with better match fitness.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.