Gavi's injury could bring Vitor Roque's Barcelona transfer forward

Stuart Telford

• 26 Nov 2023 13:58 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona were rocked by Gavi's recent injury news, but his ruptured ACL could pave the way for an early transfer of Brazilian prodigy Vitor Roque from Atheltico Paranaense.

Gavi was injured on international duty with Spain, leaving the field just 26 minutes into their 3-1 win over Georgia in Euro 2024 qualifying.

His cruciate ligament injury has ruled Gavi out for the rest of the season, and the Spanish FA have since agreed to pay compensation of €7.5m to the Camp Nou giants.

Significantly more than that will be needed to fund Roque's €61m arrival from Brazil, but Gavi's loss could be Barca's gain in another way.

"Barca will be able to sign up Vitor Roque in January with the space created by Gavi's departure," reports Marta Ramon Gorina of Esports RAC1. "League regulations allow for an addendum to the contract that comes into force in the summer."

When one door closes…

La Liga rules state that Barca can use up to 80 per cent of Gavia's salary space which would keep them inside of financial regulations should they register Roque in January.

Sporting director Deco has since confirmed the club are looking to get things moving in that direction.

"I think it's going that way, that we're going to count on him [in January]," he said. "The truth is that Xavi and I are coordinated. We always talk. There's no one like Gavi on the market, especially in January.

"[But] surely, Vitor is the possibility where we are going to pursue more. It's not decided, but we're going down that path."

Roque scored 20 goals and added eight assists in 43 appearances in all competitions for Athletico in 2023, and as a striker will provide competition for Robert Lewandowski, rather than direct cover for midfielder Gavi.