Vasco step up search for centre-back after defensive overhauls falter | OneFootball

Vasco are prioritising a new centre-back, despite recent overhauls that failed to fix their defence.

According to Globo.com, the back line has been under intense pressure for years. Early in Admar Lopes' tenure, the club signed Cuesta and Robert Renan and moved on João Victor and Luiz Gustavo.

Alan Saldivia arrived in the last window at the request of then coach Fernando Diniz. Errors across successive matches and three own goals turned the Uruguayan into a lightning rod at São Januário.

Cuesta joined in the second window of last year and quickly earned a starting place, shining under Diniz in September and October. A poor November run in the Brasileirão and a costly display in the Copa do Brasil final second leg at the Maracanã, when Vasco lost to Corinthians, damaged his standing. He began 2026 as a starter but has not rediscovered that early form.

With neither Saldivia nor Cuesta convincing, Renato Gaúcho faces a selection puzzle. Neither has secured the role alongside Robert Renan.

The view internally is that Vasco need more physical presence and, above all, better aerial strength. Admar Lopes is in Europe assessing overseas options.

The target profile is a right-footed defender with power and dominance in the air. Arthur Chaves of Augsburg has been sounded out. Budgets are tight for the second window, so the club are exploring financing options, and heavier spending would only follow if the SAF sale is completed.

Source: Globo.com