Vasco da Gama is making significant moves during the current transfer window, working to bolster its squad as the deadline approaches on February 28. One of the most notable additions is Loide Augusto, who has signed on for three years after joining from Turkish side Alanyaspor.
The transfer agreement sees Vasco pay €1.5 million upfront, with potential performance-related bonuses raising the total cost to €2.5 million. These bonuses include €700,000 for the number of games played, €150,000 for goals and assists, and another €150,000 if Vasco qualifies for the Libertadores within the next two years. This ambitious contract reflects not only the club's intent to strengthen its squad but also highlights Loide's determination to succeed at Vasco, as he openly expressed his desire to wear the club's colors during recent social media sessions.
Vasco is no stranger to active transfer seasons, and Loide's arrival marks the eighth new signing of the window. The club has previously secured goalkeeper Daniel Fuzato, defenders Lucas Oliveira, Lucas Freitas, and Maurício Lemos, midfielder Tchê Tchê, and forward Benjamín Garré. Another forward, Nuno Moreira, is also finalizing his move to Rio, showcasing Vasco's focused approach to reinvigorate its offense.
While the spotlight shines on Loide, another former Vasco player, Eguinaldo, is drawing attention as well. The young striker, who once helped the team secure promotion to Serie A, is reportedly being monitored by major Brazilian clubs like Corinthians and São Paulo for a possible loan from Shakhtar Donetsk. Still, Shakhtar has turned down the proposed loan terms, complicaiting Eguinaldo's potential return to Brazil. He has been less prominent lately, having made only three goals across 32 matches last year. Nevertheless, the prospect of returning to play where it started his professional career has spurred interest from the top teams claiming a piece of his future.
Complicting matters for Vasco is their pursuit of Rodrigo Villagra, a talented midfielder from River Plate. While the club is interested, sources suggest financial constraints could thwart any hopes of adding Villagra to their roster. The financial struggles are amplified by the need to make room for new signings; with the addition of players like Garré and Loide, who are already signed, they may face issues with the Brazilian Football Confederation's limit on foreign players. Currently, 12 foreign players are part of the club, with only three able to be fielded on matchdays. So, decisions will have to be made on who will remain excluded, with Capasso and Sforza seemingly on the bubble to clear space for new talent.
Adding to the urgency is Vasco's desire to land Neyser Villareal, the promising Colombian forward from Millonarios, whose standout performances at the South American U-20 Championship have caught the eye of not just Brazilian clubs but European scouts as well. The club has reportedly reached agreements on financial terms with Millonarios, with negotiations hovering around $4 million. Villareal’s absence from training adds intrigue, as many speculate he might be finalizing his move to Vasco. Yet, the complexity of negotiations with his agents continues to pose challenges.
Time is of the essence as Vasco seeks to finalize these deals for the upcoming season. With the window deadline looming, the strategies they adopt could shape the competitive dynamics of their squad heavily. Each recruitment not only aims to reinforce the team but also to align with the aspirations of fans eager to see improvements on the field.
All these movements and negotiations paint a vivid picture of Vasco da Gama's ambitions as they strive to reclaim their standing and add substantial depth to their squad. Fans remain hopeful as the end of February approaches, keeping watch on how these developments will play out, with the anticipation of seeing all new faces grace the field soon.