Deco set for Brazil trip to discuss January move for future Barcelona star
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 2 Oct 2023 17:44 BST
- 3 min read
Deco is set to travel to Brazil during the October international break to meet with Atletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque, who will join Barcelona next year.
Deco, who is Barca’s Sporting Director, will speak to Roque about his current injury setback and the possibility of him moving to Camp Nou in January, as per Mundo Deportivo.
According to reports, the agreed fee for Roque is an initial €30 million plus a further €31m in potential add-ons, with Barcelona acquiring one of Brazil’s most talented teenagers.
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However, it is not yet known whether Roque will join Barca in January 2024 or during the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana would like the 18-year-old to move to Spain in January, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to afford to pay his wages within La Liga’s salary cap.
Football Espana have reported that the “crucial factor [to Roque joining in January] will be whether Barcelona receive the money for the sale of 29.5% of Barca Studios from Libero.”
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Xavi wants Roque to join in January
AS have reported that Xavi is pressuring Deco to ensure Roque joins in January rather than next summer.
The Barca manager reportedly wants to avoid the Brazilian picking up another injury and he would like Roque to provide competition for Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish international has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in recent days and Roque is seen as his long-term heir at Camp Nou. However, Xavi would like Roque to join as soon as possible to give Lewandowski competition and also provide the chance for the former Bayern star to be given a rest.
La Liga President Javier Tebas has previously stated that Barcelona will be able to sign Roque this winter, but admitted sales may have to be organised first.
Roque has scored 11 goals in 22 Brazilian top flight games so far this season.
