Vasco da Gama is gearing up for the 2025 season with ambitions to improve on the previously accomplished results, having secured a place in the Copa Sul-Americana this year. Following the appointment of new head coach Fábio Carille, the club is actively pursuing several key signings to strengthen its roster as they aim for higher achievements.
After struggling through various ups and downs throughout the 2024 season, which included reaching the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil and finishing safely within the Brazilian Championship, Vasco's supporters are hopeful for tangible improvements. To address the dire need for reinforcements, the club has drawn up what could potentially be its 'Christmas wish list' for new players.
One prominent target is Tomás Cuello, a 24-year-old forward currently playing for Athletico-PR. Vasco has initiated contact to negotiate the signing of the Argentine talent. Cuello, who has registered 10 goals and 24 assists over 163 appearances with the Paraná-based club, is seen as capable of filling one of Vasco's most problematic positions on the field, particularly following injuries to key wingers like David and Adson during the past season.
Another player high on Vasco's list is Lucas Barbosa from Santos FC. The 23-year-old striker spent the previous season on loan at Juventude, where he proved himself by scoring 14 goals and providing five assists across 56 matches. Despite his promising performance, the negotiation is expected to be challenging, especially as other clubs have also expressed interest. There is also speculation about Barbosa remaining with Santos after their recent promotion back to Brazil's football elite.
To bolster their defense, Vasco is eyeing Lucas Oliveira, who is currently with Cruzeiro but spent time on loan at Kyoto Sanga, Japan. With only seven appearances this past season, the 28-year-old defender may have limited options within his current club, which has contracted him until the end of 2025. Reports indicate Vasco is considering securing Oliveira's services without incurring transfer costs by negotiating to share his economic rights with Cruzeiro.
Vasco is also monitoring Joaquín Lavega, a 19-year-old winger from River Plate-Uruguay, whose contract is set to expire, potentially providing another opportunity for the club to secure new talent. Lavega’s impressive stats from the last Uruguay Championship, where he tallied 11 goals and four assists, have already piqued the interest of multiple teams.
The financial realities of Vasco are currently weighing heavily on the club’s ability to engage with high-profile transfers. While they are actively exploring opportunities to strengthen their lineup, it is evident the available budget limits them to more cost-effective solutions as they work through the sale of their SAF (Sociedade Anônima do Futebol).
Vasco's commitment to strategic, lower-cost acquisitions has already begun to materialize with the recent signing of Lucas Freitas, another defender, who joined from Palmeiras after spending last season on loan at Juventude. By following this model, the expectation is for Lucas Oliveira’s situation to pave the way for another positive recruitment experience.
What’s evident is Vasco da Gama is not just passively waiting for the transfer window to open; the management shift and proactive strategy signify the club's serious intent to return to its former glory. With aspirations to become competitive both domestically and on the continental level, the incoming signings may not just fill gaps but possibly represent the foundation for the club's resurgence.
Players like Cuello, Barbosa, and Oliveira embody the potential new era for Vasco, with management confident these moves can lead to significant improvements. The club’s supporters are eager to witness how the faction of fresh talent can revitalize their season and restore the pride associated with the iconic institution.
For Vasco da Gama, 2025 is not just another year; it’s viewed as the beginning of the next chapter. Each strategic signing converges with the hope of eleviating the team's historical standing within Brazilian football.
