Vasco sound out four top centre-backs to bolster defence | OneFootball

Vasco has stepped up its search in the transfer market to sign a new center-back for the remainder of the 2026 season. In recent days, the club’s board made official inquiries to understand the financial conditions involving at least four players who fit the profile outlined by the coaching staff for the position.

The search is focused on right-footed defenders with strong aerial ability to address the team’s positioning problems. For now, any bigger moves depend directly on progress in negotiations over the sale of the SAF to businessman Marcos Lamacchia, which has led the club’s hierarchy to remain patient during the transfer window.

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Who are the four center-backs on Vasco’s radar? Meet the players

Center-back Gabriel Pereira came through the youth ranks at Volta Redonda and currently plays for Copenhagen in Denmark, a club that paid €6 million to sign him in 2024. The 26-year-old has a long-term contract in Europe until June 2029, but his camp is working with the real possibility of a move in this window, as the player wants to take a new step in his professional career. The young defender’s name has the full approval of Vasco’s scouting department.

Gabriel Pereira plays in Denmark — Photo: Gaston Szerman, FCK Media

Center-back Murilo came through at Cruzeiro, had a spell at Lokomotiv Moscow, and established himself as one of the country’s top defenders while wearing the Palmeiras shirt. The 29-year-old stands out for his high number of goals from set-piece plays and his leadership on the field.

Murilo celebrates a Palmeiras goal – Photo: Marcos Ribolli

Center-back Diego Carlos has built a solid career in European football, reaching his technical peak at Sevilla, where he won the Europa League, in addition to spells with Aston Villa and the Brazil Olympic National Team. Currently under contract with Fenerbahçe, the experienced 33-year-old defender combines the physical strength and presence in the box that the coaching staff is looking for to shore up Vasco’s defense.

Diego Carlos belongs to the Turkish giant – Photo: Instagram of player Diego Carlos

Center-back Vítor Tormena spent virtually his entire professional career in European football, standing out for several seasons in the shirt of Braga in Portugal before moving to Krasnodar in Russia. The 31-year-old has great size, strong man-marking ability, and good reaction timing when covering against quick attacks.

Vitor Tormena – Photo: Instagram reproduction

How are the negotiations going?

Vasco’s board’s initial talks were aimed at mapping out the feasibility of potential deals involving the identified players. The most complex talks involve the Palmeiras defender, as the São Paulo club has already indicated that it does not intend to lose the player. On the international front, Tormena has lost momentum due to the high transfer fee demanded by Krasnodar for a 31-year-old professional.

The club’s hierarchy also sought information on the experienced Diego Carlos, who belongs to Fenerbahçe and spent last season on loan at Como in Italy.

Head coach Pedro Emanuel chose to remain tight-lipped about the negotiations in his latest interview after the 1-0 defeat to Vitória in the return of the season, only stressing that the market remains open for departures and arrivals throughout the second half of the year.

Director Admar Lopes and head coach Pedro Emanuel – Photo: Reprodução Atenção Vascaínos

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