Vasco target defensive midfielder for 2026, scouting options | OneFootball

Vasco has as one of its main goals for 2026 the signing of a defensive midfielder. The club understands that this area needs reinforcement, as there are few options available and some of them have not met expectations. In fact, the position was already considered a priority in the last transfer window.

In mid-2025, Cruz-Maltino ended up prioritizing the restructuring of the defense, with the arrivals of Carlos Cuesta and Robert Renan. For the midfield, the club bet on Thiago Mendes, signed at no cost, and Cauan Barros, who returned from loan at América-MG.

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Vasco vs Botafogo – Brasileirão — Photo: André Durão

Even so, the area has once again become a problem. Midfielder Jair suffered another serious injury and remains sidelined indefinitely, while Paulinho and Mateus Carvalho have lost their spots. As a result, Barros, Hugo Moura, and Tchê Tchê have been Fernando Diniz’s only consistent options, and Thiago Mendes is still seeking ideal match fitness after a period of physical reconditioning.

The board believes the team needs a player with a balanced physical and technical profile, capable of providing more stability to the midfield. According to reports, Admar Lopes, Felipe, Pedrinho, and Fernando Diniz will all participate together in the squad planning for 2026, and the search for this reinforcement will be treated as a priority.

In the last window, the club chose to focus its budget on negotiations for center-backs, who arrived on loan with an option to buy, and did not invest in a high-cost midfielder. Both Thiago Mendes and Barros arrived at São Januário practically for free.

Now, Vasco already has names mapped out for next year and intends to invest according to the sporting scenario: if the team qualifies for the Libertadores or the Sudamericana, the board plans to raise the level of reinforcements.

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Botafogo vs Vasco da Gama for the Brazilian Championship held at Nilton Santos Stadium on November 5, 2025. Photos: Matheus Lima/Vasco.

In addition to the midfield, the club is also considering bringing in a backup center-back and a more mobile forward who can compete for a starting spot.

Planning for 2026 has already begun — and Vasco’s priority is clear: a midfielder who will arrive to be a reference in the starting lineup.

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