Former Vasco man Gabriel Pec on Cruzeiro's radar to bolster attack | OneFootball

Cruzeiro have shown strong interest in signing right winger Gabriel Pec, a Vasco academy product, and are considering making an official offer in the next transfer window. The Raposa board is closely monitoring the forward’s situation, as he is highly rated by the coaching staff as a reinforcement for the Minas Gerais side’s attack. Although talks are still at an early stage, the player’s name is gaining momentum behind the scenes at the Belo Horizonte club.

The player was sold by Cruz-Maltino to Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States in January 2024, in one of the biggest transfers in the club’s history. The deal was completed for around 10 million dollars (approximately R$49 million, at the exchange rate at the time). The contract also included performance bonuses that could raise the total amount to 11.5 million dollars (around R$56 million).

+ With a focus on attack and defense, Vasco prepares a package of signings

Gabriel Pec expressed his desire to return to Vasco in the future

Even while shining in the MLS, the forward has always made it clear that his bond with the Rio club remains intact. On several occasions, the youngster has stated categorically that Vasco is his home and that he dreams of one day wearing the Cruz-Maltino shirt again. In 2025, the player even ignored inquiries from other Brazilian rivals, reinforcing that his priority in the country would be a return to Rio de Janeiro.

For Vasco’s first team, the winger made 178 appearances and was a key figure in the team’s survival in Série A in 2023. In total, he scored 26 goals and provided 14 assists before moving to North American soccer. The Rio club’s board also retained 30% of the player’s economic rights, aiming for future profit from a possible resale.

Gabriel Pec came through at Colina – Photo: Daniel Ramalho/Vasco

Cruzeiro consider major investment to lure forward away from American soccer

The interest from Minas Gerais comes at a time when the sky-blue squad is being reshaped and is looking for pace out wide. Vasco’s board is following the situation closely, since any permanent deal would bring a good amount into the club’s coffers. Marcos Lamacchia’s investment fund is also monitoring the market for players developed in Rio.

If the official offer from the Minas Gerais side materializes, the forward will need to decide between Raposa’s project or continuing his career abroad. The affection of the Vasco fans for the player is a factor that could weigh on any future decision about a definitive return to Brazilian soccer. The coming months will be decisive in determining whether the “academy product” will play on Brazilian soil again this season.

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