Vasco block PH’s move south, player backs the decision – here’s why

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Papo na Colina

·19 February 2026

Vasco block PH’s move south, player backs the decision – here’s why

The transfer market remains lively, but Vasco has decided to impose strict limits. As a result, the recent attempts by Grêmio to sign Paulo Henrique were firmly rejected by the club. The right-back was the main target of the club from Rio Grande do Sul, which tried to actively negotiate with Vasco’s management over the past few weeks, but ran into the Carioca club’s intransigence. However, Vasco has no interest in moving forward with negotiations at this point in the season.

On the other hand, Paulo Henrique did receive a good financial offer from the Tricolor Gaúcho. Nevertheless, the player chose not to pursue the talks, showing total respect for Vasco’s institutional decision not to negotiate him. Since the end of last year, several inquiries from both Brazil and abroad have reached the athlete’s staff, reinforcing his high standing in the current market. Despite this, no advanced negotiations have been recorded so far.

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Market stance and the impact of departures

Meanwhile, Grêmio’s management continues to monitor the market in search of a right-back. They are looking for what is known as an “opportunity deal,” that is, a transaction seen as financially viable and meeting the coach’s requirements. From the same perspective, Vasco is taking a defensive stance in the transfer window. The club is not interested in negotiating any current starters, and the sale of Paulo Henrique would only be accepted for an irresistible offer, given that he is 29 years old and already on the radar of the Brazilian National Team.

Additionally, Cruz-Maltino’s planning has been severely affected by recent losses. Vasco, which already felt the departures of Rayan and Vegetti at the start of the year, was caught by surprise by Coutinho’s request to terminate his contract. As a result, the number 10 and team captain will be another key player to leave the squad in this transfer window. Therefore, keeping PH has become an absolute priority for the coaching staff, who do not want to dismantle the team’s backbone at this point in the season.

Paulo Henrique is one of the pillars of Vasco’s team – Photo: © Thiago Ribeiro/AGIF

Return to the starting lineup

Despite his strong reputation, Paulo Henrique did not start the 2026 season in the best way. He reported foot pain and, as a result, missed some recent matches in the State Championship.

However, the right-back has already returned to the bench in important matches against Bahia and Volta Redonda. Thus, he is expected to regain his starting spot in the next game against Fluminense, taking over the right flank with the coach’s confidence.

PH’s performance at Vasco

Vasco’s resistance to selling the player is largely justified by his recent numbers. The right-back has played 130 games for the Cruz-Maltino shirt, in addition to scoring six goals and providing 11 assists. Additionally, his high performance in 2025 earned him the title of best right-back in the Brazilian Championship.

As a result of this success at the Carioca club, Paulo Henrique was called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti to play for the Brazilian National Team. Soon after, he scored a historic goal in a friendly against Japan. Therefore, a player with this international experience is considered non-negotiable for average offers.