Vasco cut costs, trim wages, eye key midfielder late in window | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama remains active in the transfer market but faces financial limitations in its search for a defensive midfielder in this final stretch of the transfer window. Despite having significantly reduced the payroll with several departures, the club is working with a tight budget to strengthen the squad.

The position of defensive midfielder is treated as a priority by the board, especially after the arrival of six new signings in this window. However, the strategy at this moment is clear: to look for market opportunities, whether through loans or players at the end of their contracts.

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Fernando Diniz | Vasco vs Bahia — Photo: André Durão

Vasco reduces payroll after 15 departures this season

Even with significant investments, Vasco managed to trim its payroll for 2026. In total, 15 players have already left the club, a move that helped ease the costs of the football department.

One of the most impactful names was Pablo Vegetti, who had one of the highest salaries in the squad and terminated his contract to sign with Cerro Porteño. In addition to him, striker GB is also on his way out: the player is set to be loaned to Fortaleza Esporte Clube and will be the 16th athlete to leave the squad in this window.

Currently, the professional squad’s payroll is around R$ 16 million per month. Considering other salaries and expenses, the football department costs the club approximately R$ 18 million per month.

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Admar Lopes presents Johan Rojas at Vasco — Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Vasco searches for a defensive midfielder in the market, but has no room for major investments

So far, Vasco has signed six reinforcements: Alan Saldivia, Johan Rojas, Brenner, Marino Hinestroza, Cuiabano, and Spinelli. In addition, the club exercised the purchase option for Andrés Gómez for around 4.5 million euros (approximately R$ 30 million) and invested another 1.5 million euros to extend Carlos Cuesta’s loan until the end of 2026.

Given this scenario, the board understands that it has already made significant investments and, therefore, does not have the funds for a high-cost signing at this time. The search is for a defensive midfielder who can compete for a starting spot, not just to fill out the squad.

The first transfer window of Brazilian football remains open until March 3, the deadline for Vasco to try to secure an opportunity within its current financial conditions.

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