The team, managed by Pedrinho, has the worst attack in the Campeonato Brasileiro, with only 23 goals, alongside Chapecoense and Internacional. This crisis began after the departure of the team's two main goal-scorers from last year, Vegetti and Rayan, who scored 47 goals in 2025. To compensate for their absence, Vasco invested heavily in the first transfer window to reinforce the attack, signing players such as Brenner, Marino Hinestroza, and Spinelli. However, none of these players have managed to secure a starting place in the first semester.
The position of centre-forward has become a priority for the board since the injury to Brenner and the team's recent performances. So far, the club has signed defensive midfielder Santiago Sosa and forward Facundo Colidio, who has been playing as a centre-forward but performs better outside the box. The board is evaluating its options and is in talks with Sparta Prague to sign Equadorian centre-forward John Mercado, who has expressed interest in joining Vasco. However, the club's current financial capacity is a major obstacle, with a rejected offer of around €7 million.