Vasco da Gama appoints Pedro Emanuel, chases signings as relegation looms

Vasco da Gama announced Portuguese coach Pedro Emanuel as its new manager. Emanuel stressed that the club’s priority is the Brasileirão, aiming to lift the side out of the 17th‑place relegation zone. He cited Abel Ferreira as a reference and promised to win the fans’ trust through work and results.

At the same time, the club intensified transfer talks after former president Pedrinho returned to the SAF. Director of football Admar Lopes confirmed that midfielder Nelson Deossa of Real Betis remains the main target, but negotiations are stalled over the Spanish side’s demand for payment guarantees. The club’s limited budget was also highlighted.

Vasco officially presented left‑back Paulinho, signed from América‑MG on a contract until December 2029, as the first new signing of the window. Upcoming fixtures include a match against Vitória in Salvador. The club also issued a public statement defending the independence of the judiciary amid its ongoing judicial recovery process.