How Arias helped Vasco sign Andrés Gómez | OneFootball

Andrés Gómez delivered his most influential display for Vasco, involved in both goals of the comeback win over Fluminense in the Copa do Brasil first leg at the Maracanã.

According to Globo.com, after the triumph Fernando Diniz said Jhon Arias, now at Wolverhampton in England and a Fluminense idol, supplied background on the winger that gave him confidence to push the deal. Arias and Gómez are both from Quibdó in Colombia and have been team-mates for the national side. Diniz and Arias have a strong relationship and were Libertadores champions with Fluminense in 2022.

Vasco announced the 22-year-old at the end of August. The recommendation came from Admar Lopes, but Diniz did not know the player. After a phone call with the ex-Fluminense midfielder, the coach felt assured.

Against Arias’s former club, Gómez created Rayan’s opener and crossed for Vegetti to turn it around with the final action. He has six assists and one goal in 18 Vasco appearances, leading the club for assists since arriving.

In a matter of months he has earned a starting spot under Diniz. The Colombian inherited Vegetti’s place in attack and now has 11 starts.

He joined on loan with an obligation to buy if targets are met, for about four million euros, around R$ 25 million, covering 60% of his economic rights.

After the comeback, Vasco hold the advantage of a draw in the return leg to reach the Copa do Brasil final. The decisive derby is on Sunday at 20:30 Brasília time, again at the Maracanã.

Source: Globo.com