Vasco set £8.5m price tag to start talks with Palmeiras for Paulo Henrique | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama has established an insurmountable financial barrier to prevent the departure of one of its main starters. In light of the concrete and recent interest from Palmeiras in signing right-back Paulo Henrique, the club's management has set the price at US$ 10 million (around R$ 55.3 million) to start any type of negotiation. According to recent findings, this information reinforces the club's new policy of not making life easier for national rivals.

+ Vasco rejects offer from Greek club for Barros and treats midfielder as a "fundamental piece" for 2026

Season of affirmation at Vasco and Brazilian National Team

The high asking price is not just a market strategy but a reflection of the technical status achieved by the player. Paulo Henrique experienced the best year of his career in 2025. The numbers prove his offensive and defensive importance: he played 58 matches, scored four goals, and provided eight assists.

This consistent performance caught the attention not only of Brazilian clubs but also of the technical staff of the Brazilian National Team, earning the right-back an unprecedented call-up. Sportingly, Vasco understands that PH has ceased to be a gamble and has become a pillar of consistency in Fernando Diniz's tactical scheme, being fundamental in ball distribution and supporting the attack on the right flank.

Firm stance: Starter doesn't come cheap

Vasco's strategy is clear: differentiate who is negotiable from who is untouchable. While the club facilitated the departure of young Riquelme (sold to Panserraikos, Greece) for understanding he wouldn't have space, with Paulo Henrique, the conversation is different. The management believes it cannot release an absolute starter to a direct competitor for titles (like Palmeiras) for domestic market values. The message is simple: either they pay the "European" price, or the athlete remains at São Januário to be a protagonist in 2026.

Paulo Henrique reached the Brazilian National Team due to his performances for Vasco – Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/ CBF

Untouchable in Diniz's team

As mentioned, for coach Fernando Diniz and the management, PH is untouchable. He is one of the few players who maintained consistency amid the team's fluctuations last year. While the club facilitates the departure of those who don't play (as was the case with Riquelme, sold to Greece), the starters are shielded.

The fans can breathe easy: the management is playing hardball. Paulo Henrique will only leave if it's for a historic sale. Otherwise, he continues to be our number 2 and one of the team's hopes for the season.

PH is one of the pillars of Vasco's team – Photo: Thiago Ribeiro/AGIF

+ Follow Papo na Colina's social media: Thread, Bluesky, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and Google News.

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