Barcelona have been roundly criticised for their deal to bring Vitor Roque in, with resources stretched and in need of fresh impetus, Sporting Director Deco pulled the trigger on a deal to take Roque to the club for €30m, plus €31m in variables with Athletico Paranaense. However the narrative will change if they can make a profit on the 19-year-old striker.
Roque looks unlikely to fulfil the variables that feature in the initial deal, with no sign of a future for him in Catalonia. This summer the teenage striker moved to Real Betis on loan, with Los Verdiblancos loaning Roque and securing 20% of his rights, with a chance to make that 80% in exchange for a further €25m.
However Brazilian giants Palmeiras retain an interest in Roque, and have just brought in €40m from Manchester City in exchange for centre-back Vitor Reis. They made a move earlier in January, but it seems that has fallen on deaf ears for a Roque determined to triumph in Europe. Sport reveal that Palmeiras are willing to pay €27m for 80% of Roque’s rights, a deal that would represent a €3m profit for the Blaugrana.
Raphinha has already racked up an impressive 25 goals and 9 assists this season. With 34 games played and plenty of months of competition still ahead, the Brazilian is on track to contend for all major individual awards if he maintains this incredible form. @sport pic.twitter.com/Wu5RS9YTWP
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 22, 2025
So far O Verdao have been unsuccessful in securing Roque’s green light, and would need Betis’ approval too for a winter move. However they will continue with their efforts this transfer window, and will return with a fresh approach in the summer too.
This season Roque has again showed promise, but also a lack of a clinical edge in front of goal, missing a key chance and scoring a penalty on his return to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys against Barcelona. Starting the majority of games for Manuel Pellegrini, Roque has 7 goals and 2 assists in his 27 appearances this year at the Benito Villamarin.
