Player pushes for Vasco move: “Wants to play under Fernando Diniz” | OneFootball

Player pushes for Vasco move: “Wants to play under Fernando Diniz” | OneFootball

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Papo na Colina

·18 September 2025

Player pushes for Vasco move: “Wants to play under Fernando Diniz”

Article image:Player pushes for Vasco move: “Wants to play under Fernando Diniz”

With the transfer window closed, but with an evident need in midfield, Vasco da Gama may find the solution in a great market opportunity. Midfielder Rafael Carioca, who is free after a long and victorious stint in Mexican football, emerges as an option. The mutual admiration between the player and coach Fernando Diniz is the main asset for a possible agreement.


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Mutual admiration between the player and the coach

According to a report by Canal Vasco, journalist Fábio Torres, the negotiation has a strong appeal to both parties. A source close to the athlete revealed that Rafael Carioca "has always dreamed of playing with Fernando Diniz".

The feeling is mutual. The coach of Cruz-Maltino had already requested the signing of the midfielder in other seasons, when he was in charge of Fluminense, which shows his admiration for the player's football.

The major obstacle to a happy ending, however, is the financial issue. After nearly eight years playing with star status at Tigres, from Mexico, Rafael Carioca has a salary level considered high for the reality of Brazilian football and, especially, for a club in Judicial Recovery.

Despite the mutual desire, there is still no official negotiation underway between the club and the athlete's staff.

Article image:Player pushes for Vasco move: “Wants to play under Fernando Diniz”

Athlete already played at Vasco in 2010 - Photo: Official Site

Player would fill a technical and leadership gap

The possible arrival of Rafael Carioca would solve a chronic problem of the squad. With the serious injury of Jair, the team lost a reference of experience in the sector. The 36-year-old midfielder would bring technical quality in ball output, game vision and leadership, serving as a mentor for the young ones like Cauan Barros. The board now evaluates whether the high cost-benefit of the operation is worth it.

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

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