R$100m down the drain? Which signings sank Vasco into the bottom four

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Papo na Colina

·18 June 2026

R$100m down the drain? Which signings sank Vasco into the bottom four

The first half of the 2026 season ended amid heavy political and sporting turmoil in the halls of São Januário. Vasco’s hefty investment in the first transfer window, which surpassed the impressive mark of R$ 100 million, was not reflected in technical performances on the pitch. Under head coach Renato Gaúcho, the squad suffered a sharp drop in form, heading into the national calendar break stuck in the dreaded relegation zone, sitting in an uncomfortable 17th place with just 20 points won. According to a detailed report published by ge, the fans’ massive boos and intense pressure at the training ground gates paint the chaotic picture surrounding the club’s six main signings of the year.

Among the biggest financial and technical disappointments of this cycle are forwards Marino Hinestroza and Brenner, who together cost the club around R$ 60 million. Both arrived in Rio de Janeiro after a long period of inactivity and vacation, a factor that directly compromised their physical preparation and tactical transition to Brazilian football. The coaching staff and the board internally admit that using the pair immediately was a hasty mistake, resulting in below-average performances and widespread impatience from the stands.

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Hinestroza’s case is the one causing the most off-field wear and tear, with 18 appearances and only 5 starts, plus just one direct goal contribution. Vasco’s internal crisis exploded at the end of May, when members of organized supporter groups harshly protested against the Colombian forward at the training ground gate, demanding his immediate departure. In addition to friction with the public, the player is also dealing with relationship issues with Renato Gaúcho’s own staff because of public statements made by the coach about the slow adaptation process of foreign players in the country.

Another name going through a real nightmare with the fans is Alan Saldivia, the Uruguayan center-back who leads the squad in minutes played but has piled up bizarre mistakes and an incredible three own goals this season. The defender became the main target of protests in the 3-0 loss to Bragantino, with his starting spot alongside Robert Renan publicly questioned. Faced with the inability of Saldivia and Cuesta to bring solidity to the left side of the defense, scouts are looking for a new right-footed defender to fill the gap when the market reopens.

Meanwhile, striker Claudio Spinelli, signed as an option to add depth after standing out at Independiente del Valle, is fighting for space in the attacking rotation with Brenner, tallying five goals through sheer determination despite his clear technical limitations.

Saldivia scored three own goals for Vasco – Photo: Hedeson Alves/AGIF

Isolated bright spots try to hold the line

Amid so many disappointing signings, young midfielder Johan Rojas has emerged as the only major positive news for the fans in this turbulent first half of the year. Signed during Fernando Diniz’s tenure, the 23-year-old Colombian adapted in no time and inherited the number 10 shirt after the sudden departure of idol Philippe Coutinho. The squad’s clear leader in assists this season, Rojas has become an untouchable piece in the tactical setup, although Renato Gaúcho has publicly demanded greater dedication from the playmaker in tracking back and making defensive tackles.

Rounding out the list of reinforcements, full-back Cuiabano also made a huge impact upon arrival, racking up four key passes and one goal in his very first appearances. The left-sided player took advantage of Lucas Piton’s unstable form to claim the undisputed starting spot on that side, but a serious thigh injury ended up interrupting his best physical moment of the calendar year. The sporting committee is placing its hopes on the midseason break to restore these players’ match rhythm and rebuild Vasco for the definitive battle against relegation in the Brasileirão.