Agents ‘to seek’ PIF intervention as Al-Ahli reject Vasco bid for Matheus Gonçalves | OneFootball

Al-Ahli have formally rejected bids from Vasco and Botafogo for 21-year-old winger Matheus Gonçalves, stalling Vasco’s push to bring him back to Brazil. According to Central do Arabão, the Saudi Pro League club rebuffed both offers.

The club have communicated that they intend to keep the Brazilian for the rest of the season and are not looking to negotiate his exit at this stage.

Vasco had already aligned basic terms with the player’s camp, but the refusal halted progress. Rival interest from Botafogo inflated the contest, yet the coaching staff’s stance to retain him before South America’s registration deadline has blocked movement.

Even so, the forward’s representatives are seeking an emergency meeting with figures on the PIF board involved in the club’s governance to try to unlock the deal at a higher level. Their case is that limited minutes could devalue the league’s investment, and a loan to Brazil would maintain his visibility.

While agents pursue that route, Vasco are adopting a cautious line on viability. Aware of the political complexity of transactions in the Middle East, the board are monitoring without entering late-window bidding wars.

The club are working against Brazil’s calendar in case a breakthrough allows documents to be filed in time, while also pursuing centre-forward Richarlison.

Source: PaponaColina

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”