Cup shop window! Vasco's R$30m gem could be sold before Brazil return | OneFootball

Colombia’s participation in the 2026 World Cup could definitively seal the fate of Vasco’s main attacking star. Forward Andrés Gómez, 23, is seeing his market value rise sharply with the World Cup call-up and may not even return to the Rio club after the international tournament ends. According to information reported by journalist Fábio Azevedo, the player’s performances on North American soil will be the decisive factor in determining his future, as the board is considering a multimillion-dollar sale if he stands out on the international stage.

+ Cash in the bank! Andrés Gómez’s call-up guarantees Vasco a R$ 1.2 million windfall

World Cup spotlight and Admar Lopes’ rebuilding plan

The winger’s possible departure is part of a much broader strategic plan drawn up by football director Admar Lopes. The club’s leadership intends to carry out a major overhaul of the first-team squad right after the national calendar break ends.

As part of this financial clear-out to trim the wage bill, names such as left-back Lucas Piton and defensive midfielders Tchê Tchê and Hugo Moura are also on the list of players who could leave the Rio club. For now, however, the Colombian forward is the most valuable asset in Vasco’s entire squad.

Andrés Gómez is currently one of Vasco’s standout players – Photo: André Durão/ge

R$ 30 million investment and starring role at Vasco

The club exercised its option to sign the youngster permanently at the start of this calendar year, paying 4.5 million euros (approximately R$ 30 million at the current exchange rate) to acquire 60% of his economic rights, following a loan spell that began in August 2025. After the departures of Philippe Coutinho, Rayan and Vegetti at the start of 2026, Gómez took on a leading role and became the team’s main technical reference point.

This season, the forward has made 29 appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists. Since arriving in Rio, the player has totaled 50 matches for the club, recording five goals and ten assists, with a long-term contract running through the end of December 2031.

Colombia opens its World Cup campaign this Wednesday at 11 p.m. against Uzbekistan, and Andrés Gómez is expected to start on the bench.

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