Vasco da Gama eyes return of Luciano Rodriguez in $139 million transfer saga

Uruguayan striker Luciano Rodriguez, who became Bahia's most expensive sale when he moved to Saudi Arabia's Neom SC for a total of up to €22 million (about R$139 million), is being pursued by Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama. Vasco has been monitoring Rodriguez since 2024 and has submitted an official loan offer to Neom SC, hoping to bring the forward back to Brazil.

Bahia retained 25% of the player's economic rights and could profit from a future move. Vasco also faces competition from a Turkish club and is evaluating Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi as an alternative attacking option. Rodriguez, a regular Uruguay national team call‑up, scored 20 goals in 69 appearances for Bahia and helped the club win the state championship and the Copa do Nordeste.