Athletico-PR continue to monitor Andrés Cubas, but the Brazilian side face major hurdles in their pursuit of the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder. According to sources connected to the Território MLS and Pitch Side US, the club has already made initial contact, yet any concrete progress will only take place after the MLS Cup Final this Saturday (Dec. 6), when Vancouver face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Salary of $100K per month is the biggest obstacle
The most sensitive part of the operation is the financial package. Cubas currently earns around $100,000 per month in MLS (roughly R$ 500,000), a figure above Athletico’s salary ceiling for their 2026 roster planning.
Given Vancouver’s historic season — runners-up in the Concacaf Champions Cup and finalists in the MLS Cup — the club is already considering a salary upgrade for Cubas. Any raise would make a transfer to Brazil even more difficult.
Talks will only resume after the MLS Cup Final
Sources within the MLS indicate that the Whitecaps will not engage in any deep negotiations before Saturday’s final. Cubas’ camp has confirmed that no advanced discussions will take place until the season officially ends.
Cubas is a key figure for Jesper Sørensen
Under head coach Jesper Sørensen, Cubas has become an essential part of Vancouver’s tactical structure. Over recent seasons, he has been a consistent starter and plays multiple roles:
- holding midfielder,
- auxiliary center-back,
- ball-distribution anchor in the buildup.
Inside the club, he is viewed as structurally irreplaceable.
2026 World Cup context weighs heavily against Athletico-PR
The proximity to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is another decisive factor. Cubas has been a regular in Paraguay’s national team:
- five appearances in the current World Cup Qualifiers,
- multiple call-ups throughout the season,
- consistent match rhythm in MLS.
Remaining in Vancouver offers an additional key advantage: Vancouver is a 2026 World Cup host city, ensuring Cubas stays fully connected to the tournament environment, with clear visibility and staff access.
A move to Brazil would not guarantee immediate starting minutes — a risk this close to the World Cup.
But one factor plays in Athletico’s favor
Despite the challenges, Athletico-PR do hold one strong card: a return to South America.
Playing in Brazil — a competitive environment, in a club with strong infrastructure — would allow Cubas to be closer to his home country, Paraguay, and to his family. This carries emotional and personal weight and could influence his final decision if Athletico present a competitive financial package.
The expectation is for new developments after Sunday, once Cubas concludes his season with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
