Phillipe Gabriel, the Brazilian wall with a European passport

Porto made a loan offer with purchase option for the 20-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper, but Vasco da Gama rejected it, preferring to develop him in their first team.

Phillipe Gabriel, a 1.96m goalkeeper at Vasco da Gama, has emerged as one of Brazil's most promising young talents. The 20-year-old was instrumental in Vasco's U-20 Brasileirão title win, including a decisive penalty save in the semi-final against Santos and man-of-the-match performance in the final victory over Palmeiras. He has also represented Brazil at youth international level, winning the 2023 U-17 South American Championship and starting at the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

Gabriel's European passport—his grandmother is Portuguese—makes him an attractive prospect for European clubs as he would not occupy a non-EU slot. Porto have already moved, submitting a loan offer with a purchase option, but Vasco rejected the approach. The Brazilian club believes Gabriel can establish himself in their first team and is now negotiating a contract renewal to secure one of their most valuable assets.