Claudio Spinelli nears Vasco, named top striker in Ecuadorian league | OneFootball

Close to being officially announced as Vasco da Gama's new signing, Claudio Spinelli was voted the best forward of the Ecuadorian Championship on Thursday night (5). The Argentine was also included in the tournament's selection, crowning a great season with the Independiente del Valle jersey.

During the awards ceremony, the striker indicated that the transfer to Brazilian football is well underway. Asked about his move to Vasco, Spinelli was cautious but confirmed the progress of the talks.

– It seems so, we are looking into it. But tonight, I want to enjoy this moment with my teammates — said the forward to the Ecuadorian portal Havoline Deportivo.

+ Promise trained at Vasco leaves the club and signs a long contract with Fortaleza

Claudio Spinelli, close to Vasco, is voted the best forward of the Ecuadorian Championship for his performance at Independiente del Valle (Photo: Disclosure / Loga Ecuabet)

Spinelli arrives in Rio for medical exams and contract signing

Despite the cautious speech, Claudio Spinelli already has a date to arrive in Brazil. The forward arrives in Rio de Janeiro on the morning of this Saturday (7) to undergo medical exams and, if approved, sign a contract with Vasco.

The negotiation is considered well underway behind the scenes, and the player is seen as an important piece to strengthen the offensive sector of the team led by Fernando Diniz in the 2026 season.

+ Without space in Vasco's squad, full-back negotiates agreement with Fortaleza

Ecuadorian Championship Selection with Claudio Spinelli, Vasco's new signing (Photo: Disclosure / Lga Ecuabet)

Highlight at Independiente del Valle, striker had a top-scoring season

In 2025, Spinelli was one of the big names in Ecuadorian football. For Independiente del Valle, the Argentine played 51 matches, scored 28 goals, and provided two assists, ranking among the country's top scorers.

Signed at the beginning of last season, the striker quickly won over the fans with decisive performances, consistency, and high finishing ability.

With the arrival of the Argentine, Vasco will have eight foreign players in the squad. Spinelli will be the fifth signing for the club in 2026, following the acquisitions of Johan Rojas, Alan Saldivia, Marino Hinestroza, Brenner, and Cuiabano.

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