Vasco to let go of costly foreigners and academy talents, see names | OneFootball

The process of reshaping the Vasco da Gama squad for 2026 took on dramatic contours this Tuesday (13th). The left-back Leandrinho, who had been the subject of market disputes, took the initiative and asked to leave the club. The player recently received offers from Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia) and Pafos (Cyprus), but both were rejected by the management for not meeting the expected financial values. Even with Vasco's refusal, the defender expressed the desire to leave to seek more playing time, leading the way for a “boat” that promises to be long.

+ Vasco's management defines strategy and two departures are essential to balance the books

Operation “Clean Squad”

Leandrinho's departure is just the tip of the iceberg. The football department identified that the current squad, bloated with about 35 athletes after the return of loaned players, is unsustainable. The primary goal for the first months of the year is to relieve the payroll so that they can then seek new targeted reinforcements.

In this scenario, other names already have their destinies set away from São Januário. Riquelme and Lucas Eduardo (who was at Avaí) are expected to be permanently negotiated, as their contracts end at the end of 2026. Vasco seeks to release them while retaining a percentage of their economic rights.

Leandrinho asked to leave the club – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Foreigners and the Exception

The situation for the foreign players is also one of departure. Maxime Domínguez, back from Toronto FC, will play the start of the Carioca, but the club does not oppose negotiating him to cut costs. The same applies to midfielder Juan Sforza, purchased for millions two years ago from Newell’s Old Boys, but who never adapted and is coming from a loan to Juventude.

The only exception in this list of immediate dismissals is midfielder Estrella. Coach Fernando Diniz has requested to observe him during the State Championship with the main group. However, the tendency is that he will also be loaned out later to gain experience and regular playing time.

Guilherme Estrella, midfielder to be tested by Diniz — Photo: Leandro Amorim / CRVG

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