Vasco let top scorer go and shock fans: "22 goals weren't enough" | OneFootball

Vasco made a decision that took many fans by surprise this Thursday (05). The club chose not to exercise the purchase option for forward Léo Jacó, the top scorer of the Under-20 team in the 2025 season. The young player, who belongs to Nova Iguaçu, will not remain at São Januário for next year.

+ Former Vasco director wants to take the club’s gem

Outstanding numbers and chances with the first team

According to journalist Pedro Cobalea from Lance!, the player’s performance was impressive: 22 goals in 50 matches, including competitions such as the Copinha, Brasileirão Sub-20, and Carioca. His knack for scoring caught the attention of Fernando Diniz, who even used the youngster in first-team matches against Santos and Juventude.

Despite the numbers and his integration with the senior squad, the Vasco board assessed that the investment of R$ 3 million for 70% of his economic rights did not fit into the financial or technical planning for 2026.

Léo Jacó celebrates a goal for Vasco’s youth team – Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Future away from Colina

With his departure confirmed, Léo Jacó returns to Nova Iguaçu, but his future is likely to be far from Rio. In September, clubs from the United Arab Emirates had already made inquiries about the forward. Now free on the market, the 20-year-old becomes a target for other teams looking for a promising goal scorer.

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