Cruzeiro has arranged to loan Brazilian defensive midfielder Walace to Vitória. ESPN has learned that the 31-year-old is expected to sign a loan contract with Vitória, known as Leão da Barra, in the coming days, which will last until the end of the season. The information was first disclosed by journalist Heverton Guimarães. Walace reportedly chose Vitória and rejected offers from the Arab world for reasons including the promise of more playing time, a desire to work with coach Jair Ventura, and the opportunity to be in his hometown of Salvador. He has been separated from the Cruzeiro squad since April after an internal controversy. Walace holds a contract with Cruzeiro until the end of 2028 and failed to secure a firm place under coaches Fernando Seabra, Fernando Diniz, Leonardo Jardim, or Tite. The five-time capped Brazil international joined Cruzeiro in July 2024 for a fee reported to be between €6.0M and €8.0M. In the 2025/2026 season, he has made one appearance in the Campeonato Mineiro. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value to be €2.50m.