With Diniz's backing, Vasco step up talks for centre-back | OneFootball

Vasco has already begun strategic moves to strengthen the squad in 2026 and has once again set its sights on signing Alan Saldivia, a defender from Colo-Colo. The defender, who had previously been a target for the club in past transfer windows, has gained internal support again and has the full approval of coach Fernando Diniz, who considers him the ideal player for the playing style adopted at São Januário.

According to information gathered by Canal Vasco in collaboration with VDG-Cast, there are already ongoing discussions between the player's staff and the Vasco football department. The management is looking to build the scenario in advance after failing to progress in the last market — when Colo-Colo toughened the negotiation and the values did not fit Vasco's budget. Now, the club is working in a more planned manner, studying alternatives and understanding the necessary conditions to make the agreement feasible in 2026.

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Internally, the evaluation is clear: Vasco wants to strengthen the defensive system. Currently, Robert Renan and Carlos Cuesta are the main references in defense, but the coaching staff believes the squad needs more depth. Lucas Oliveira and Lucas Freitas have lost space and have not been pleasing. In this context, Saldivia is seen as a name capable of immediately competing for a starting position, offering intensity, good ball distribution, and solidity in marking — characteristics valued by Diniz.

Behind the scenes, the management considers the operation viable, as long as Colo-Colo shows openness to negotiate for more accessible values. The club will continue to monitor the defender, aligning expectations with his representatives and following the evolution of the negotiation in the coming months. The player is valued at approximately R$ 11 million, according to the specialized site Transfermarkt.

The trend is that the topic will resurface strongly at the beginning of 2026, when the planning for the next season will be deepened. For now, the scenario involves mutual interest, technical approval, and ongoing discussions — an important step in Vasco's attempt to bring Saldivia to São Januário next year.

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