Crystal Palace midfielder Matheus França is approaching the final stretch of his unsuccessful loan at Vasco da Gama. Brazilian media suggest the next three months could represent the last chance for the move to make sense for either side.
The 21-year-old joined the Rio club on loan until June in search of minutes and confidence after a difficult spell in England. However, his time in Brazil has so far produced very little on the pitch. França has played 21 matches for Vasco and has yet to register a single goal or assist, and fans wanted him gone.
The lack of impact became so noticeable that Vasco even considered ending the loan early at one stage. Brazilian reports indicated the possibility was discussed internally after França lost space in the squad and struggled to influence matches.
In recent weeks, he had become a peripheral figure in the team, sometimes staying on the bench even when former manager Fernando Diniz rotated the starting XI.
Renato Gaúcho connection
That situation has now taken an unexpected turn with the sacking of Fernando Diniz, followed by the arrival of Renato Gaúcho as Vasco’s new manager.
According to Brazilian outlet RTI Esportes, the coach’s appointment could offer França one final opportunity to rediscover his best football before the loan expires.
Renato already knows the player well from their time together at Flamengo, where the midfielder first began to move closer to the senior squad.
França had made his professional debut earlier in 2021. However, it was in the following season during Renato Gaúcho’s spell that he started spending more consistent time training with the first team.
At the time he was only 17 and had just come through a successful youth cycle that included Brazilian U17 titles.
Last months to change the story
That development paved the way for França’s breakout year in 2022. He finished the season with 23 appearances and six goals for Flamengo, performances that eventually convinced Crystal Palace to invest €20m (£17m) in the attacking midfielder.
The move to England never fully took off. Injuries limited his continuity, and Palace approved a loan to Vasco in an attempt to rebuild rhythm and confidence in Brazil.
So far, though, the plan has not worked. França’s output remains minimal, and his role in the squad has fluctuated throughout the season.
With Renato Gaúcho now in charge and only a few months remaining on the loan, Brazilian media view the situation as a final window for the player to turn things around.
If that does not happen quickly, França is expected to return to Crystal Palace in June with many of the same doubts that surrounded him when the loan began.
