Signings from Europe? Vasco upbeat over Diego Carlos and Fred | OneFootball

Vasco is closely monitoring the contract situations of center-back Diego Carlos and midfielder Fred, who currently belong to Fenerbahçe in Turkey. Both players have signaled they are open to reducing their salaries in order to make a move to Brazilian football possible during the current transfer window. The information about Vasco’s interest and the players’ flexible stance behind the scenes was reported by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur.

The club’s board and football department are carefully following the movement in the international market before making official offers. The possibility of bringing in experienced players with notable spells in Europe fits into the management’s financial planning to strengthen the squad in the second half of 2026. The players’ willingness to be financially flexible is seen as an important step toward unlocking negotiations in the coming days.

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+ Vasco monitors Diego Carlos after his agent tries to terminate his contract with Fenerbahçe

Vasco coaching staff planning

Head coach Pedro Emanuel is aiming to bring in experienced players to give Vasco more solidity. The board is working behind the scenes to sign reinforcements who can arrive ready to compete for a starting spot.

That way, both names could add a lot to the squad, especially since the club still has major objectives this season: the Copa Sudamericana, the Copa do Brasil, and avoiding relegation in the Brazilian Championship.

The latter, in fact, is Vasco’s top priority at the moment.

Who is Diego Carlos: the center-back’s path and background

Center-back Diego Carlos, 33, had been monitored by Vasco’s board after his agent began talks to seek an amicable contract termination with Fenerbahçe. Developed in São Paulo state football, the defender built a successful career in Europe, reaching the peak of his performances at Sevilla in Spain, where he won the Europa League and was called up to the Brazil national team, also becoming an Olympic champion in Tokyo. Before moving to Turkish football, the player also had a notable spell with Aston Villa in England.

Vasco’s leadership sees the arrival of Diego Carlos as a strategic priority to lead the defensive system, provided his deal in Turkey is ended without a transfer fee. The market analysis department believes the player’s physical strength and imposing presence would add the experience needed to bolster the back line of the Rio club in this season’s competitions.

Who is Fred: career, Brazil national team, and spell in England

Midfielder Fred, 33, began his professional career at Internacional, where he quickly stood out before being transferred to Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. In European football, the holding midfielder piled up titles and prominence, which led to his signing by Manchester United in England. With the English club, the player made more than 200 appearances and was a regular presence in the Brazil national team squads, taking part in the World Cup editions of 2018 and 2022.

At Fenerbahçe, the midfielder maintained technical consistency and intensity in marking and in building play from midfield. Fred’s possible arrival at Vasco would give the holding midfield an option with sharp tactical awareness and game-distribution ability. The board is assessing the conditions of the deal to understand whether there is room to move forward with a definitive agreement.

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