Vasco in talks with national team regular to take over at full-back in 2026 | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama seems determined to cure the hangover from the end of the Brasileirão with impactful signings. Already thinking about the 2026 season, which will have an unusual schedule with the national championship starting in January, the Cruzmaltino board has set an ambitious target to strengthen the defensive system. According to information from Argentine journalist Rodry Rosetti, the club is closely monitoring the situation of Marcos Acuña, the left-back who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.

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Experience and a winning mentality

Currently at River Plate, Acuña is seen internally as the ideal name to raise the competitive level of the squad. At 34 years old, the player brings with him the experience of having played in major European leagues (with notable stints at Sporting and Sevilla) and the prestige of having lifted the most important trophy in world football in Qatar.

Vasco’s interest is not just a marketing move, but an urgent technical necessity. The board promises an “aggressive market” and understands the need for “battle-hardened” players to withstand the pressure of São Januário. The possible arrival of Acuña would be an immediate response to criticism about the lack of leadership and technical quality in key areas of the field.

Acuña has a history in Europe – Photo: Publicity

The gap left by Piton

The search for a guaranteed starter at left-back for Vasco became a top priority after Lucas Piton’s injury. The current holder of the position suffered a ligament injury in his knee and will only return to the field once the 2026 season is already underway. Since the Brasileirão will start earlier, the club does not want to rely on improvisations or gambles.

The coaching staff has already indicated that they do not have full confidence in Victor Luis, the immediate backup, and the young Leandrinho is still seen as a prospect in development. Bringing in a name like Acuña would solve the problem in the short term and shore up the position, allowing Piton to recover without the pressure of having to return ahead of schedule.

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