Vasco assess signing of Andrei Girotto but pull back over fitness | OneFootball

According to PaponaColina, Vasco explored a move for Andrei Girotto to bolster their defence but stepped back over fitness concerns. The 34-year-old has instead joined Al Faisaly in Saudi Arabia on a free.

The club also made a brief enquiry for the young defender Marco Di Cesare of Racing, then swiftly dropped the idea. With talks for midfielder Santiago Sosa advanced, executives avoided opening two heavy fronts with the same Argentine side. A new centre forward is considered the bigger priority.

First-choice centre-backs Carlos Cuesta and Robert Renan remain undisputed. Back-ups are Lucas Freitas and Uruguayan Alan Saldivia, who has been heavily criticised for recent performances. Saldivia rejected offers from Argentina to try to reclaim his place in Rio de Janeiro.

Vasco are pursuing multiple deals within a R$ 100 million budget authorised by Marcos Lamacchia for the Campeonato Brasileiro. The football department is optimistic of closing Sosa this week, while talks for Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa have dragged for more than a month. Preferred deals are loans with options to buy.

Girotto impressed at Palmeiras and Chapecoense, then played six straight seasons for Nantes before moving to Al-Taawoun. Comfortable at centre-back or holding midfield, he was overlooked due to accumulated wear. With the SAF transition with 777 Partners ongoing, staff want reinforcements ready for knockouts and a relegation fight.

Source: PaponaColina