Vasco eyeing 'pitbull' defender from South American national team for 2026 | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama has already started market mapping for the 2026 season, and the focus seems to be on South American football. According to information from the Chilean portal En Cancha and radio Cooperativa, the club from São Januário has a strong name on its wish list: defender Daniel González, who currently plays for Universidad Católica.

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Following in Gary Medel's footsteps

The Chilean press highlights that González could follow the same path as his compatriot Gary Medel. The "Pitbull," who was captain and a reference for Vasco between 2023 and 2024, also has a strong connection with Universidad Católica. Now, the 23-year-old emerges as the new bet to maintain the Chilean tradition in the cross-maltese defense.

Daniel González became an important piece in the defensive line of the Cruzados (nickname of the Chilean team) in 2025. The defender played around 29 matches in the season, totaling over 2,300 minutes on the field and scoring important goals. His consistency and youth caught the attention of Vasco's scouting department, which seeks to rejuvenate and enhance the defensive sector for the next year.

Daniel González in action – Photo: Felipe Escobedo

Negotiation will not be simple

Despite the interest, taking the player out of Chile will require financial effort. Daniel González has a current contract with Universidad Católica until the end of 2026. This means that Vasco will not be able to bring him for free; it will be necessary to negotiate financial compensation for the player's release.

The newspaper O Dia reinforced that the level of investment by the Gigante da Colina for 2026 will depend directly on the outcome of the current season. If the club wins the Copa do Brasil or secures a spot in the Libertadores via the Brasileirão, the budget will be larger, facilitating such investments. Besides a defender, Vasco also prioritizes the arrival of a midfielder and a mobile forward.

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