Vasco open to striker’s exit, still listening to offers

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·27 January 2026

Vasco open to striker’s exit, still listening to offers

Vasco remains attentive to the market and does not rule out new departures to adjust the squad and the payroll. According to journalist Lucas Pedrosa, the club continues to be open to hearing proposals for forward David, who receives a salary close to R$ 700,000 per month. Even without a closed negotiation at the moment, the management keeps the player's name available for talks, especially given the recurring interest from Serie A clubs.

David's situation is not new and has been dragging on for weeks, with different negotiation formats being discussed. Amidst advances, contractual obstacles, and changing scenarios, the forward remains at Fernando Diniz's disposal while the football department evaluates the best sporting and financial solution for the club.

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Negotiation with Vitória advanced but hit contractual obstacles

About two weeks ago, Vasco accepted a proposal from Vitória for forward David. The model presented by the Bahia club involved a loan with an option to buy, valued at approximately 1.5 million euros (around R$ 9.4 million), in addition to the full payment of the player's salary during the contract period.

The agreement, however, stalled in the negotiations between Vitória and the player's staff. David's agent, André Cury, requested a longer contract, of two years, as well as a purchase obligation conditioned on playing seven matches, terms that did not please the red-black management. The disagreement prevented the deal from being concluded at that time.

Vasco's intention from the start was always clear: reduce the payroll and make room for reinforcements. David is a reserve in the squad but has a salary considered high, which makes his possible departure internally seen as strategic. The club, in fact, was already mapping the market in search of a forward with similar characteristics, especially speed on the wings, a position that has also been occupied by Johan Rojas, recently hired.

+ Vasco seeks market to negotiate 2 players

Boavista vs Vasco da Gama for the Carioca Championship held at Estádio Elcyr Resende de Mendonça on January 25, 2026. Photos: Matheus Lima/Vasco.

New talks, change of format, and uncertainty about the future

Even after the initial impasse, Vitória's interest in David did not cool down. Last week, the parties resumed contact and began discussing a new business model, this time with no immediate costs, with a division of 50% of the economic rights for each club. The contract would be longer, potentially reaching three seasons, a proposal defended by the player's staff.

The negotiations even included other elements. One of the formats discussed involved Lucas Freitas going on loan to Vitória, while David would return to the Bahia club. However, at Fernando Diniz's request, Vasco decided to keep the defender in the squad, which again stalled the progress of the agreement.

Meanwhile, David continues to be used. The forward came on in the second half of the last game against Boavista, showing that despite market talks, he remains in the immediate plans of the technical staff. The use, however, does not change the scenario of uncertainty.

Revealed by Vitória itself, David has nine goals and seven assists in 71 official matches for Vasco since 2024. The recent history, combined with the high salary and reserve status, keeps the player as one of the most likely names to leave if the parties reach a consensus in the coming days.

+ Vasco guarantees the permanence of João Victor and retains 50% of the rights