Vasco: Four of this season’s six signings arrived with Diniz’s influence | OneFootball

The tenure of Fernando Diniz at Vasco has come to an end, but the current squad’s configuration bears the direct imprint of his choices. During the first transfer window of 2026, the coach played a fundamental role in recommendations, approvals, and even in convincing players. Of the six signings made by the club so far, four had the active participation of the former manager.

The Vasco board had decided to keep Fernando Diniz after the runner-up finish in the Copa do Brasil in December 2025, aiming for a plan integrated with the coach’s style of play. Because of this, the assembly of the squad prioritized players who fit the methodology of ball possession and building play from the back. The result of this integration was the arrival of Alan Saldivia, Cuiabano, Johan Rojas, Brenner, Marino Hinestroza, and Spinelli.

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Direct Recommendations and Reunions at São Januário

Among the names that landed at the Historic Hill, defender Alan Saldivia and forward Brenner were expressly requested by Fernando Diniz. The Uruguayan defender caught the coach’s attention in previous matches against Colo-Colo of Chile, mainly due to his quality in playing out from the back.

In Brenner’s case, the relationship goes further back: the striker had his best spell under the coach at São Paulo and also worked with him at Fluminense.

Fernando Diniz’s influence was also felt in the negotiation with Colombian Marino Hinestroza. The coach made direct contact with the player to convince him to accept Vasco’s project, as the player had an official offer from Boca Juniors.

Another case of direct involvement was Johan Rojas; after being identified by the analysis department, the coach spoke with the midfielder before the contract was signed to align tactical expectations.

Marino and Brenner, Diniz’s choices – Photos: Matheus Lima / Vasco

Transition to Vasco’s New Coaching Staff

Only the signings of full-back Cuiabano and forward Spinelli were conducted mainly by the board and the football department, with the coach having less influence. Now, with the departure of Fernando Diniz, the next coach will inherit a squad specifically shaped for an original playing style.

While the Vasco leadership searches for a replacement in the market, the team will be managed on an interim basis. Bruno Lazaroni will take charge on the sidelines for the match against Santos, valid for the fourth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, which takes place next Wednesday (25th). Vasco is still monitoring the market in search of another midfielder to complete the transfer window’s signings.

Diniz also played a decisive role in bringing Rojas – Photo: Matheus Lima

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