Vasco end Sosa pursuit as Admar Lopes targets box-to-box midfielder and centre-back | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama have ended negotiations for Santiago Sosa with Racing, judging the financial demands too high. According to PaponaColina, the Admar Lopes-led board felt the overall package, transfer and wages, would strain the 2026 budget and offered poor value.

With that pursuit abandoned, Fernando Diniz’s staff have shifted focus in the market. They are no longer chasing a pure holding midfielder, a role covered by Barros and Hugo Moura, and instead want a classic number 8, a box-to-box profile.

The target is a midfielder capable of sustaining an intense high press, with technical quality and speed to carry the ball through transitions. He should break lines with short dribbles or bursts, linking defence to attack more quickly.

Recruitment remains active but selective to avoid bloating the squad. Beyond this dynamic midfielder, the club are also monitoring options for one more centre-back to complete the first-half group. Jefferson Lerma, formerly of Crystal Palace, has been floated as a possibility, though the board are keeping names under wraps to avoid auctions and speculation.

The strategy has changed, heavy spend on Sosa is off the table and the search now centres on value that brings dynamism. The need in creation and transition was underlined by the 0-0 draw with Madureira, and supporters are waiting.

Source: PaponaColina