With the Europeans on its heels, Vasco is banking on a long contract to keep Paulo Henrique

The 2025 season ended in gold for Paulo Henrique. The Vasco player took the stage at the CBF Awards this Monday (12/09) to receive the trophy for the best right back in the Brazilian Championship. The national recognition, however, had immediate consequences and heated up behind the scenes in São Januário. The high-level performances have attracted interest from the international market and clubs in Germany and Italy have already initiated contacts with the athlete’s representatives to understand the feasibility of a transfer.

Discussions are still in their early stages, focused on discussing values ​​and conditions, with no official proposals on the table. In addition to the Europeans, a team from Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest. The scenario places the 29-year-old defender facing a major dilemma in his career. The two teams from the Old Continent who are monitoring their situation face each other in the current edition of the Champions League. For any athlete, this showcase represents the technical and financial pinnacle, and advanced age suggests this could be the last opportunity to reach the highest level of world football.

Vasco full-back thinks about World Cup

On the other hand, Paulo Henrique’s personal sporting project weighs in favor of a stay in Brazil. The full-back is having a magical moment and was part of coach Carlo Ancelotti’s last two teams. The player knows that a radical change of country and championship requires time to adapt, which is precious in a year preceding the World Cup. The risk of losing place in the Brazilian team precisely in the last part of the cycle towards the 2026 World Cup worries the athlete, who says he is happy and adapted to Vasco.

The Cruz-Maltina board is following suit cautiously, but without despair. The club is banking on the legal security of a long contract, which lasts another three years. To protect their absolute leader and ward off harassment, the leaders are planning a meeting in the coming weeks. The meeting agenda is to discuss contract improvements and salary increases. The numbers justify the effort: Paulo Henrique finished the season as a pillar of the team, totaling 56 games, five goals and eight assists.

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