Vasco abandon Richarlison deal after striker spurns long contract
Vasco da Gama have called off their attempt to sign Brazil striker Richarlison after the player rejected the club’s offer of a three‑and‑a‑half‑year contract, preferring instead a short‑term stay in Brazil before returning abroad at the end of 2026 as the transfer window draws to a close.
Vasco da Gama’s board concluded that they could not progress after Richarlison turned down the three‑and‑a‑half‑year contract the club offered. A second report said the player rejected a four‑year deal, highlighting a discrepancy in the terms discussed. The stalemate shifted the obstacle from club‑to‑club negotiations to the length of the contract offered to the striker.
Player’s short‑term ambitions
Richarlison, a Brazil striker (atacante), made clear he does not wish to sign a long‑term deal in Brasil. He wants to remain only until December 2026 before deciding his future in 2027. His family expressed enthusiasm about a possible return to Brazil, but the short‑term plan outweighed the club’s longer project.
The Brazilian side had already reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for a permanent transfer, with payment scheduled over the next four years. Initially the deal was structured as a loan lasting until the end of 2026, after which Vasco hoped to convert it into a full signing. The club also presented a sporting project to persuade the striker, but he declined the proposal.
Vasco look ahead
Os directors of Vasco stated that they have done everything possible to secure the player, yet Richarlison’s refusal left them with no alternative. They consider the chance of the athlete obtaining a unilateral termination from Tottenham to be small. Consequently, the club has abandoned the purchase and will not pursue a definitive signing.
With the transfer window set to close on Friday 11 September, Vasco completed six other acquisitions: defender Gabriel Pereira, left‑back Paulinho, midfielder Sosa, midfielder Lescano and forwards Colidio and Bruno Duarte. Meanwhile, São Paulo secured Pedro Lima on loan from Wolverhampton. These signings aim to strengthen the squad ahead of the next league fixture.
Vasco’s next match is against Grêmio on Saturday 12 September, the 27th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, at the Arena do Grêmio, kicking off at 16:00 Brasília time. The team will line‑up without Richarlison, focusing on integrating the new arrivals.