Vasco tighten the purse strings now to splash out in the summer window | OneFootball

The countdown has begun at São Januário. There are exactly two weeks left until the close of the first transfer window in Brazilian football, on March 3. Vasco da Gama is racing against time to make its final moves, with a clear target and a defined financial strategy: to sign a starting defensive midfielder without compromising the budget set aside for the future.

Although the club has cash on hand for new investments, the internal guideline is not to spend a large amount at this moment. The board understands that significant investments have already been made with the arrivals of Andrés Gómez, Brenner, Marino Hinestroza, Alan Saldivia, Spinelli, and Cuiabano. For this reason, the financial “silver bullet” is being saved for the mid-year window, when opportunities in the European market are broader and of higher quality.

+ Vasco cuts expenses, reduces payroll, and targets a “specific” midfielder in the final stretch of the window

The profile of the reinforcement: starter and feasible

The search for a defensive midfielder remains the priority, but the mission is not simple. The club is mapping out names who could arrive on loan or are at the end of their contracts. The technical requirement is high: Vasco does not want a player just to fill out the squad, but someone who will come in to take a starting spot.

The names that were initially appealing were above the club’s current financial reality, which forced the football department to get creative in these final days.

Admar Lopes and president Pedrinho remain attentive to the transfer market – Photo: CBF

Possible departures from Vasco

While seeking a specific reinforcement, Vasco is also working on managing its current squad. After confirming 16 departures — which helped reduce the 2026 payroll — new loans are not ruled out.

The board is considering loaning midfielders Estrella and JP to other teams. The goal is to repeat the model applied to striker GB, loaned to Fortaleza: to give playing time and experience to young players who currently have no space in the main squad.

Leandrinho has already left the club; Estrella and JP may also leave – Photo: Leandro Amorim/CRVG

+ 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.