Vasco not chasing a new playmaker, putting faith in Rojas for the role | OneFootball

The likely contract termination of Philippe Coutinho with Vasco had an immediate and profound impact on the finances of São Januário. The departure of the midfielder, who requested to leave after the match against Volta Redonda, represents an estimated saving of R$ 1.5 million per month in the football department's payroll. Despite this significant financial relief, which opens up considerable room in the annual budget, the Cruz-Maltino made the strategic decision not to enter the market in search of a direct replacement for the "number 10" role in this first transfer window, which closes unavoidably on March 3.

The decision by the board and the technical committee is based on a pragmatic analysis of two crucial factors. The first is the lack of sufficient time to scout, negotiate, and sign a high-level playmaker ready to play in just two weeks. The second, and more relevant, is the positive technical response given by Johan Rojas. The Colombian midfielder has been performing well in matches, showing decision-making ability and compensating for the lack of creativity and intensity in the midfield. The internal assessment is that Rojas offers the dynamics that Fernando Diniz demands, which provides confidence to continue with the current options until at least mid-year.

+ Philippe Coutinho requests termination and his departure from Vasco is expected to be formalized today

Vasco maintains financial strategy

Even with "new money" in the coffers generated by Coutinho's departure, the market strategy for these final days remains unchanged: the absolute priority is the signing of a defensive midfielder. The club is looking for a player who arrives with the status of a starter, filling a defensive gap in the midfield. However, the financial guideline is clear: the savings from the idol will not be spent on transfer fees now. The club is looking for market opportunities, such as loans or players at the end of their contracts, aiming to maintain budgetary balance.

The financial "silver bullet" is being strategically saved for the mid-year window. The board understands that, with the end of the European season, investment opportunities will be more qualified and abundant. The goal is to use these saved resources for precise and targeted moves in the international market in the second half, avoiding inflated spending at a time of scarce options in the domestic market.

Coutinho scores what could be his last goal for the Gigante da Colina – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

The rise of Rojas and the management of youth assets

The bet on homegrown solutions is not limited to Rojas's establishment as the main playmaker. While the Colombian takes the lead in creation, the football department is working on managing the minutes of the rest of the squad. The club understands that it is necessary to give playing time to young players who have lost space. In this sense, youth prospects like midfielders Estrella and JP may be loaned out to gain playing time with other teams in Series A or B.

This movement follows the successful model adopted with forward GB, recently loaned to Fortaleza until the end of the season. The intention is for these athletes to return more experienced and ready to compete for a position in the future, while the club focuses its remaining energies and resources exclusively on signing the defensive midfielder needed to complete Fernando Diniz's squad.

Rojas has been improving with each game – Photo: Instagram Johan Rojas

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