Vasco end domestic window without signings, focus on mid-year market | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama will close the current domestic transfer window on Friday 27 without adding to the first-team squad. According to PaponaColina, the board will hold cash back and target priority areas in the mid-year market, while trusting Renato Gaúcho to keep developing the side before the World Cup break.

The extra period for targeted domestic deals opened on four March. Vasco made no signings during this month-long window, concentrating on mapping opportunities. All six arrivals this season were secured in the first window, namely Rojas, Saldivia, Hinestroza, Brenner, Cuiabano and Spinelli.

A specialist holding midfielder is considered a non-negotiable need to give the coach more defensive options in midfield. The club notes that heavy spending was already done earlier in the year, so a protected slice of the annual budget has been reserved to act decisively in the second phase.

A demanding calendar will also help Renato Gaúcho gauge technical and physical limits. From early April, the Gigante da Colina will juggle three competitions and 16 matches by 31 May, with plans for eight Brasileirão games, six Copa Sul-Americana group fixtures and two Copa do Brasil fifth-phase ties.

Internally, the staff believe several players still need minutes. The clearest case is Marino Hinestroza, a high-expectation recruit who has yet to string a run together, benched in three matches under the new boss and currently behind Nuno Moreira and Adson.

Experienced centre-back Carlos Cuesta and young midfielder JP are also set for patient assessment. The mood at São Januário is calm after four games under the club idol, with wins over Palmeiras, Fluminense and Grêmio, plus a draw with Cruzeiro. Vasco sit ninth in the national table and visit Coritiba next Wednesday.

Source: PaponaColina