Vasco seek starting midfielder as market opportunity this window | OneFootball

Vasco remain in the market for a starting midfielder, prioritising the role after bringing in Andrés Gómez, Brenner, Hinestroza, Saldivia, Spinelli and Cuiabano. With funds tight, they are targeting loans or free agents, according to Globo.com.

The club have already made significant outlays this window and are unlikely to launch a major bid. Early targets were assessed as beyond the current financial reality.

One example is Santiago Sosa of Racing. There has been no contact with the Argentine club, although the player appeals internally, and he is considered too expensive for Vasco at present.

Halam Loboa, the 19-year-old midfielder at Independiente Medellín, was also observed but is viewed as over budget. Pierre, of Fortaleza, had been tracked closely yet has agreed a permanent stay at Leão do Pici.

Vasco are not pursuing depth options. The intention is to recruit a midfielder ready to start, provided any deal fits the club’s finances.

The preferred profile is a complete midfielder, capable of operating as a five or an eight. For Fernando Diniz’s style, no single attribute is prioritised.

Barros and Thiago Mendes currently start, with Tchê Tchê and Hugo Moura the immediate alternatives. Tchê Tchê recently rejected an offer from a Brazilian club to remain living in Rio de Janeiro.

The wage bill stands at R$ 18 million including the coaching staff. With 15 exits since December, costs have come down and space has opened to invest in starters.

Source: Globo.com