Vasco da Gama, a Brazilian football club, has decided to shift its focus towards the domestic market for the 2025 season, both for new players and for a head coach. The club is currently cautious about investing in foreign players and coaches who could be considered high-risk bets.
In a Press Conference on Monday
Pedrinho and Marcelo Sant’Anna discussed potential searches for players and coaches from outside Brazil. The sports director mentioned that when he arrived, the club was looking internationally, but for 2025, the strategy would pivot towards players who could provide immediate returns:
“When I arrived, Vasco had its eyes set on international players, which is why we have nine foreigners in our squad. This doesn’t mean we won’t sign more foreign players; we have no issues with that, but we need to bring in players who will give us immediate returns or are economically more attractive; otherwise, it’s better to invest in players within the Brazilian market because it’s easier to negotiate with clubs, convince players, and use our own youth academy.”
Recent Signings and Performance
Under the management of 777, signings like Orellano and Capasso did not meet expectations. Sforza, one of the main reinforcements for 2024, also failed to secure a regular starting position. During Pedrinho’s tenure, the arrivals of Jean David and Maxime did not make an immediate impact. Vasco understands that it needs to change its approach for next year.
Beyond Issues like Adaptation
Beyond issues like adaptation and recent experiences with risky bets, Vasco also views the foreign market as inflated in terms of transfer fees, despite typically lower salaries.
Player Prospects for 2025
Vasco has a list of players in mind for 2025, some of whom have already been approached, like Isidro Pitta, a standout from Cuiabá. The Paraguayan, who has been in Brazil for three seasons, is already adapted to the country. However, his representatives see a move abroad as more likely.
Other Names on the Radar
Other names are also on the radar, like Lucas Barbosa, who is on loan from Santos to Juventude. While Vasco will not rule out foreign signings, it will be more selective with risky bets.
The Search for Coaches
Following the dismissal of Rafael Paiva, Vasco is analyzing the market for a new head coach for the 2025 season. Despite some names already being approached, the club is cautious about bringing in a foreign coach.
According to ge
According to ge, Gustavo Quinteros, Hernán Crespo, and Pedro Caixinha were sounded out — the latter two have experience in Brazilian football, while the former currently leads Vélez Sarsfield, the leader of the Argentine Championship. These inquiries were preliminary, and no offers have been made to any of them yet.
Pedrinho mentioned that finding a coach who aligns with the club’s football philosophy and fits within the budget will be challenging, but he hopes for a successful search:
“It’s difficult to find, within what I think about football, what we have in the market, and what fits within the budget. I’m not sure if I’ll find a coach who plays the way I imagine Vasco deserves to play and fits within our budget. We have some profiles in mind, and we hope everything falls into place and comes close to what we envision.”
Prioritizing Brazilian Coaches
Ge also learned that Vasco will prioritize Brazilian coaches or those familiar with the country’s football. One of the main reasons is to ensure more efficient communication with the entire squad. Internally, it’s believed that during Ramón Díaz’s tenure, there was a separation between Brazilian and foreign players, which was detrimental to team development.
With Rafael Paiva, this separation was initially broken. However, towards the end of his tenure, the “foreigners’ clique” returned, not institutionally as with Ramón, but naturally within the squad, according to club insiders.
Coaching Priorities
Beyond the language advantage, Vasco also views the foreign coach market as currently inflated. On the field, the club has two priorities: 1) Coaches not bound to a single scheme; and 2) Coaches who utilize the youth academy. For the club, it’s indispensable to incorporate younger players.
Cuca, currently without a club, is a name that appeals internally. Fernando Diniz, who is currently at Cruzeiro, has long been a dream of Pedrinho, but Vasco understands that they would need a squad that aligns with the coach’s style of play.
