Vitinho, a 22-year-old left-footed attacking midfielder, will join Santa Clara on a permanent deal. The player, who was on loan at Náutico from Cruzeiro, has his transfer to the Azorean club nearly complete, with a three-year contract awaiting him. Náutico's coach, Guilherme dos Anjos, revealed that Vitinho would not play against Fortaleza or in subsequent matches due to the advanced negotiations between Cruzeiro and Santa Clara. The coach explained that an agreement with Cruzeiro and the player allowed him to leave if he did not receive a high amount of playing time, and noted he had only played 180 minutes in Série B. Dos Anjos described the proposal as very positive for Vitinho. The player was formed at Ponte Preta and was also previously loaned to Goiás. He will reinforce the midfield of the team managed by Petit.