Vasco eye Erick Marcus return, but European figures worry fans | OneFootball

Vasco may promote the return of another "Boy from the Hill" to join the squad this season. The cross-maltese board, under the technical guidance of Fernando Diniz and director Felipe Loureiro, has contacted Erick Marcus, a forward currently at Ludogorets in Bulgaria. The information, disclosed by journalists Deco da Colina and Emerson Rocha, points to an attempt to repatriate the player who was recently permanently transferred by the Rio club.

The market movement, however, raises important technical questions. On one hand, Erick knows the club and wouldn't need to adapt to the São Januário environment, but on the other hand, his recent performance in European football is far below expectations, raising doubts about whether he would be the impactful reinforcement the fans are waiting for in the offensive sector.

To help fans understand the context of this possible signing, we detail below the player's stats, his history with Vasco's jersey, and what motivates Diniz's interest in his football.

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Diniz and Felipe Loureiro lead the search for Erick Marcus

The interest in Erick Marcus's return is not just a market opportunity but a request backed by the technical committee. The investigation indicates that the search was made directly through Fernando Diniz and Felipe Loureiro.

The coach is known for liking to work with fast players with short dribbles on the flanks, characteristics that Erick has always demonstrated since his youth. The idea would be to restore the player's confidence and use him as a speed option, forming part of the group in a busy calendar.

Numbers in Bulgaria raise concerns and divide opinions

The major obstacle for the name's acceptance by the fans is the recent statistics. According to analyst Gustavo Dias, Erick Marcus's current season at Ludogorets is considered "quite poor." In 30 matches played (18 as a starter), the forward scored only 2 goals and 2 assists in over 1,600 minutes on the field.

These numbers contrast with his first season in Europe, which was positive, with 14 goal contributions in 39 games. The sharp drop in performance raises a warning: Erick is not currently in a technical moment that justifies the status of an absolute starter at Vasco, being a risky bet to "recompose the squad."

Erick Marcus has modest numbers in Europe – Photo: Ludogorets Disclosure

History at Vasco: a dribbling promise that fluctuated

Revealed in Vasco's youth categories, Erick Marcus rose to the professional level surrounded by expectations. Originally a winger, he always stood out for his one-on-one ability and powerful shot. However, his time with the main team was marked by fluctuation. Despite flashes of quality — such as beautiful goals and impressive plays — he struggled to establish himself as an undisputed starter, alternating good games with lackluster performances.

The transfer to Ludogorets in 2024 was seen at the time as a good deal for both parties. The return now, during a low point, suggests that Vasco is seeking homegrown and inexpensive solutions to fill gaps, betting on Diniz's ability to bring out the best in young talents who need a "rescue" in their careers.

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