Vasco sign deal with Forest, Cuiabano lands in Rio: "Ready to play" | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama officially announced on the morning of Thursday (5th) the signing of another major reinforcement for the 2026 season. The club reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest of England for the loan of left-back Cuiabano. The player landed in Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of the day and went straight to undergo medical exams and complete the final bureaucratic procedures before signing the contract, which will be valid until the end of the year.

The deal was closed with a purchase option clause at the end of the loan, allowing Vasco to acquire the player's economic rights if he meets expectations. Vasco's interest in the 22-year-old defender was longstanding, monitored since the beginning of January, and the negotiation advanced thanks to the player's own desire to return to Brazilian football. Cuiabano chose the number 66 jersey to represent the Cruz de Malta.

+ Vasco scours the market and signs Paulinho from América

“I’m very happy to be arriving at Vasco”

In his first words on Rio soil, Cuiabano did not hide his satisfaction with the positive outcome. Welcomed by the press and fans at the airport, the new signing sent a direct message about his physical condition, dispelling any doubts about a lack of match fitness in England.

See this photo on Instagram A post shared by Vasco (@vascodagama)

Planning and Competition with Lucas Piton

Cuiabano’s arrival fulfills a request from the coaching staff for greater squad depth. Although Lucas Piton is the undisputed starter and has had great seasons, the board understood that the marathon of games on the calendar required a backup of equal caliber. With this signing, Fernando Diniz gains an option with offensive characteristics and physical strength, a profile that pleases the coach.

Debut in the Classic? The Law of the Ex could strike

Destiny might have a movie-like script in store for his debut. Cuiabano could play his first match precisely against Botafogo, his former club. Vasco faces the Alvinegro this Sunday (8th) in the Cariocão.

If the paperwork is registered with the CBF’s BID by Friday, Diniz will have a luxury option on the bench (or maybe even in the starting lineup, who knows?). The player’s desire was decisive for the deal to happen: he wanted to return to Brazil and chose Vasco’s project. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for the official announcement and seeing number 66 on the field.

Cuiabano won everything with Botafogo – Photo: Publicity

How were Cuiabano’s last seasons?

Fans can expect an aggressive left-back. Revealed by Grêmio, Cuiabano really made his name at rivals Botafogo. There, he stood out for his support in attack, scoring decisive goals and providing assists. It was this performance that earned him a move to England.

At Nottingham Forest, however, he played little and spent more time with the B team. That’s why he returns to Brazil “hungry for football,” wanting to show that attacking style that recently delighted Rio de Janeiro.

+ Follow Papo na Colina on social media: Thread, Bluesky, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and Google News.

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