Sporting KC Wants to Sign Vasco da Gama’s Rising Star

Who would've thought that the player who arrived at Vasco da Gama in 2023, surrounded by doubt and skepticism, would now be catching the eye of a Major League Soccer club? Yep, Mateus Carvalho, loaned from Náutico without much buzz or expectation, has turned into a key figure in Vasco's midfield.

When Mateus first stepped into São Januário, it wasn’t exactly a warm welcome. Vasco fans, famously demanding, couldn’t see what a so-called "generic" defensive midfielder could offer their team during such turbulent times. To be fair, Mateus didn’t do much to shift that perception early on. Barely utilized, he seemed like yet another gamble doomed to fade away in the crowded landscape of Brazilian soccer.

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But then something clicked. Mateus started playing with confidence, and before long, he was a guaranteed starter. His breakout moment? Scoring the goal that sealed Vasco’s victory against Grêmio in the opening round of the Brasileirão. That was the turning point. Now, with 55 appearances, two goals, and two assists to his name, Mateus Carvalho is far from just another player. He’s a cornerstone.

So it’s no surprise Sporting Kansas City sent scouts to São Januário. For MLS standards, Mateus Carvalho is a rare find. At 22 years old, he’s still young, with plenty of room to grow. His defensive skills and ability to transition the ball in midfield are exactly the kind of attributes that resonate in American soccer.

Sporting KC knows what they want, someone who can hold the fort defensively while also driving the team forward when it counts. And Mateus has already shown he can be that guy.

But here’s the million-dollar question: should Vasco hold onto Mateus Carvalho, or is it time to let him go? For Sporting KC, he could be the missing piece. For Vasco, though, losing him would create a gap that might not be easy to fill. On one hand, the club desperately needs cash, everyone knows Vasco’s financial situation isn’t exactly rosy. On the other hand, Mateus has been a rock for them this season, forming a solid partnership with Hugo Moura and giving Vasco a level of consistency in midfield they haven’t seen in years. Losing him now, in the middle of their rebuilding process, would be a tough blow.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the offer. If Sporting KC comes knocking with a fat check and enticing bonuses, maybe it’s time to let the kid spread his wings. But if the offer doesn’t blow Vasco away, doubling down on Mateus Carvalho and building around him might just be the smartest move for the club’s future.