Ex-Vasco director aims to lure young talent away from Cruzmaltino | OneFootball

An investigation published by reporter Bruno Amâncio from ge revealed that Paysandu made a formal inquiry about the situation of forward Léo Jacó, one of the main names in Vasco’s Under-20 squad this season. The 20-year-old player belongs to Nova Iguaçu and is on loan to the Rio de Janeiro club until January 2026, during which time Vasco holds a purchase option that has not yet been exercised.

The move by the Pará club comes amid Jacó’s rising value in the market. The striker is experiencing his best moment in Vasco’s youth system, having scored 22 goals in 50 matches this year and being decisive in youth competitions. His performance has attracted attention not only from Paysandu, but also from Serie A and Serie B clubs, who are monitoring his progress and contractual situation.

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Photo: Reproduction.

Although he has played only twice for the senior team in the Brasileirão, Léo Jacó is seen internally as a promising athlete with potential to be used in the main squad in 2026 — which makes the uncertainty regarding the purchase option a sensitive point in Vasco’s planning.

Paysandu’s interest also has a behind-the-scenes component that weighs in the negotiations: the current football executive at the Pará club is Marcelo Sant’Ana, who has previously worked at Vasco. The executive knows the Vasco environment, is aware of the competition for young talents, and closely monitors market opportunities.

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Marcelo Sant’ana, former Vasco football director — Photo: Reproduction

So far, Vasco has not indicated a decision on whether it will exercise the purchase clause. Nova Iguaçu, which owns the rights to the striker, is watching the market’s movements amid the growing interest in the player.

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