Gabriel Pereira could debut for Vasco after European interest | OneFootball

Vasco’s latest mid-year recruit, centre-back Gabriel Pereira, could make his debut against Coritiba on Saturday 19 at 20:30 Brasília time at São Januário in round 28 of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

According to Globo.com, Vasco have taken the 26-year-old on loan with an option to buy, which could become obligatory if agreed targets are hit. He will be presented on Thursday at CT Moacyr Barbosa. The deal runs until June 2027, with the purchase option fixed through December 2030.

Before arriving in Rio, Gabriel was a mainstay at Copenhagen, making 96 appearances with nine goals and two assists. He won the Danish league and cup in 2024/25, and scored against Chelsea in March 2025 in the Conference League. He built a reputation for a dominant aerial game.

Strong form drew suitors. Early this year Wolfsburg offered 10 million euros plus 2 million in bonuses, which Copenhagen rejected while in the Champions League, though the club signalled a willingness to revisit the next window. In this window Panathinaikos also pushed, with coach Jacob Neestrup keen, but Vasco prevailed.

During the World Cup period, Zenit signalled interest via the player’s camp, yet Copenhagen did not open talks. The club vetoed a transfer amid restrictions linked to the Russia-Ukraine war and Denmark’s alignment with Ukraine.

Brazilian sides Cruzeiro, Flamengo and Palmeiras made enquiries recently but did not move forward. In May 2025 a leak indicated Flamengo were monitoring him.

Born in Volta Redonda, he came through Sampaio Corrêa-RJ and Volta Redonda, then moved to Portugal with Vilafranquense and later Gil Vicente. Copenhagen signed him in 2024 for roughly R$ 30 million. If Vasco eliminate Colombia’s Santa Fe, he would also be eligible for the Copa Sudamericana.

Source: Globo.com

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