Nelson Deossa ‘to remain’ at Real Betis as Vasco deal falls through | OneFootball

Vasco’s protracted bid to sign Nelson Deossa has collapsed, with the Colombian choosing to stay at Real Betis, Info Real Betis reports.

The Rio club had negotiated for months on a loan with a pre-set purchase option, and director Admar Lopes believed a verbal agreement was in place. Deossa’s late U-turn followed a standout pre-season under Manuel Pellegrini.

With Betis short of centre forwards, Pellegrini used the midfielder as a focal point in attack. Deossa scored, won penalties and impressed across the friendlies, including against Olympique de Lyon.

Vasco must now reshape their midfield plans for the second half of the campaign. Funding of R$ 100 million authorised by Marcos Lamacchia had been lined up for the deal, but focus will shift to Santiago Sosa and Franco Ibarra.

Deossa, 26, is noted for his physical presence, height and timing of runs into the box. He came through Atlético Huila, then played for Estudiantes and Junior de Barranquilla before excelling at Atlético Nacional, earning a move to Spain last season.

Coach Pedro Emanuel is awaiting reinforcements to contest the Copa do Brasil round of 16 and the Copa Sudamericana in August, as well as the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: PaponaColina