- 30 minutes ago
Barcelona close on Vitor Roque transfer - but there's a catch
Stuart Telford
- Updated: 18 Jun 2023 12:57 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona are closing on the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque from Atheltico Paranaense, but reports that he could arrive at Camp Nou this summer are wide of the mark.
Barca have tagged Roque as the long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, and the 18-year-old has previously expressed his excitement at learning from the prolific Pole, who is now 34.
Whilst La Liga have told the club to reduce their debt by €200 million if they want to defend their title next season, there could be some budget available now that Lionel Messi has elected to sign for Inter Miami instead of returning to his spiritual home from PSG.
READ: Messi's story should be taught in schools, claims ex-Barcelona teammate
Roque is expected to set Barcelona back in the region of €40m, but they could have up to another year to raise the funds according to Sport journalist Toni Juanmarti.
Vitor Roque is the top scorer at the South American U20 Championship with six goals in five games.
What European club will sign him? pic.twitter.com/Z6awnPlmJa— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) February 4, 2023
January 2024 transfer?
"Conversations between Barcelona and Atlheltico Paranaense over the transfer of Vitor Roque continue," he posted on Twitter. "[But] there is no agreement yet, although both clubs hope to find one."
"As we have previously reported, the transfer would not be for this summer, but for 2024, hopefully in January. Roque only wants Barcelona and is willing to accept their offer."
READ: Vitor Roque: Romano reveals TRUTH behind Barcelona transfer
Arsenal have also previously scouted the young striker, but as Marti outlines, it is unlikely that the Gunners can pip Barca to his signature with Roque's heart set on a move to Camp Nou.
Barca, despite planning to activate more 'financial levers' are expected to be restricted to the free transfer and loan markets this season. Manchester City pair Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo could yet both arrive at Barca via these two means.
Roque had 10 goals and five assists from 25 games in all competitions for Athletico in 2022/23, and made his senior Brazil debut against Morocco in March.
