Vasco player back from abroad to be assessed in 2026 | OneFootball

The Vasco da Gama squad for the beginning of 2026 has a new addition from abroad. Swiss midfielder Maxime Dominguez is back at São Januário after Toronto FC from Canada decided not to exercise the purchase clause in the loan contract. With a contract valid until mid-2028, the player will be reintegrated and will undergo a crucial evaluation period.

+ Vasco starts 2026 with 10 players in the last year of their contract

The ‘entrance exam’ with Diniz

Since coach Fernando Diniz has not yet worked directly with the player, the technical staff decided to use the Campeonato Carioca as a testing ground. The idea is for Maxime to play in the first rounds of the state championship, when Vasco is expected to use an alternative team while the main group regains physical form. This sequence will be crucial in determining whether he remains an option throughout the season or is negotiated again.

Swiss player is back on the team – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Vasco's investment and numbers in the MLS

The decision to give him another chance also involves financial aspects. Vasco invested around 2 million euros (R$ 12.4 million at the time) to bring him from Gil Vicente, Portugal, and seeks to recover the asset.

However, recent numbers require improvement. For Toronto FC in the MLS, the midfielder played 25 matches and did not score any goals. Before leaving, he played 14 games with Vasco, scoring one goal and providing one assist. The management hopes that with more minutes and adaptation, the 29-year-old player can show the football that motivated his signing.

Player changed his social media description – Photo: Reproduction

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