Vasco da Gama sign Argentine forward Facundo Colidio from River Plate
Synopsis
Relegation-threatened Vasco da Gama have moved decisively in the transfer market, snapping up Argentine forward Facundo Colidio from River Plate for a reported $4.5 million — just weeks after installing new manager Pedro Emanuel. With only 20 points from 18 games, the four-time Brazilian champions are betting on this dual shake-up to keep them in the top flight.
Key Takeaways
Vasco da Gama have signed Argentine forward Facundo Colidio from River Plate on a deal until December 2029 .
The reported transfer fee is $4.5 million USD for 50% of Colidio's economic rights, with an option for the remaining 50% .
Colidio made 86 appearances for River Plate after joining from Inter Milan in 2023 .
New manager Pedro Emanuel , 51, has also joined on a deal until December 2027 , replacing the sacked Renato Gaucho .
Vasco have collected just 20 points from 18 games and are battling to avoid relegation from the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A .
Vasco da Gama have completed the signing of Argentine forward Facundo Colidio from River Plate, the Brazilian club confirmed on Friday, 8 August. The 26-year-old attacker has signed a contract running until December 2029 after completing his medical examination in Rio de Janeiro.
Deal Details and Transfer Fee
According to local media reports, Vasco will pay $4.5 million USD to acquire 50 percent of Colidio's economic rights, with an option to purchase the remaining 50 percent at a later stage. The club officially announced the transfer on social media, posting a photograph of Colidio wearing the iconic black and white shirt.
Colidio made 86 appearances for River Plate across all competitions after joining the Argentine giants in 2023 from Inter Milan. The forward's arrival adds attacking depth to a Vasco squad currently fighting to retain their top-flight status.
New Manager Pedro Emanuel Also in the Picture
The Colidio signing comes in the weeks following Vasco's appointment of Pedro Emanuel as head coach. The 51-year-old Portuguese manager signed a deal through December 2027 and is joined by assistant coaches Rui Gomes and Pedro Correia.
'The coach will begin working on Saturday to accompany the daily activities and will hold his first press conference on Monday,' Vasco said in a statement. Emanuel replaces Renato Gaucho, who was sacked last month following a poor run of results. His managerial career has included stints at Coimbra, Estoril, Almeria, Al-Ain, and Al-Nassr, among others.
Relegation Battle Looms Large
The four-time Brazilian champion club finds itself in precarious territory this season, having collected just 20 points from their opening 18 matches of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. The twin moves — a new manager and a proven attacking recruit — signal the club's intent to arrest a slide that has put their top-flight status at risk.
This is a critical juncture for one of Brazil's most storied clubs. Founded in 1898 and a pioneer in professionalising Brazilian football as early as 1933, Vasco have historically punched above their weight. Whether Colidio's arrival and Emanuel's guidance can stabilise the ship before the season reaches its decisive phase remains to be seen.
Point of View
But arriving mid-season into a struggling side with a brand-new manager is a high-risk combination. The $4.5 million outlay for 50% rights is significant for a club under pressure; if Vasco go down, that investment looks far harder to justify. Pedro Emanuel's résumé is geographically diverse but lacks a clear record of rescuing sides in distress. The next six to eight weeks will define whether this was shrewd crisis management or expensive desperation.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Facundo Colidio and why has he joined Vasco da Gama?
Facundo Colidio is a 26-year-old Argentine forward who joined Vasco da Gama from River Plate on 8 August, signing a contract until December 2029. Vasco brought him in to bolster their attack as the club battles to avoid relegation from the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
How much did Vasco pay for Facundo Colidio?
Local media reports indicate Vasco will pay $4.5 million USD for 50 percent of Colidio's economic rights, with an option to acquire the remaining 50 percent at a later date.
What is Facundo Colidio's football background?
Colidio made 86 appearances for River Plate across all competitions after moving from Inter Milan in 2023. Before that, he had developed through Italian football, making him one of the more experienced Argentine forwards in South American club football.
Who is Vasco da Gama's new manager and who did he replace?
Pedro Emanuel, 51, is Vasco's new head coach, signed on a deal until December 2027. He replaced Renato Gaucho, who was sacked last month following poor results. Emanuel's previous managerial stints include Coimbra, Estoril, Almeria, Al-Ain, and Al-Nassr.
How is Vasco da Gama performing in the current season?
Vasco have secured just 20 points from 18 games in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, placing them in a relegation battle. The four-time Brazilian champions are hoping the combination of a new manager and a new forward can turn their season around.
