Vasco set for midfield overhaul, eye box-to-box addition | OneFootball

Vasco plan an overhaul in defensive midfield for 2026 after an uneven 2025. According to Globo.com, injuries and form swings left the role unsettled until late, when Thiago Mendes and Barros emerged.

Tchê Tchê arrived as the first 2025 signing after lifting the Libertadores and Brasileirão with Botafogo, but the mix with Hugo Moura, Mateus Carvalho, Paulinho, Jair, Sforza, Souza and JP never fully convinced.

Barros was recalled from América-MG after a strong Série B and supplied intensity and clean distribution. Thiago Mendes returned from the Middle East, adapted over months, then became important in build-up play.

The club want extra competition and are set to seek a technically sound, box-to-box profile. Fernando Diniz highlighted that gap and at times repurposed attackers Nuno Moreira and Matheus França to cover.

Pierre, owned by Tombense, is one option under monitoring. He starred for Volta Redonda in Série B, finished the year at Fortaleza, and with his deal there up this month, Fortaleza want to sign him permanently.

Tchê Tchê and Hugo Moura lost ground amid inconsistency, and Hugo’s stay for 2026 is under review. Jair suffered a serious knee injury in September and has no return date, while Mateus Carvalho tore a knee ligament before the Copa do Brasil final and should miss much of next season. Paulinho is not expected to renew his expiring deal, Sforza is likely to be moved on, and JP will be assessed during the Campeonato Carioca.

Source: Globo.com