Barcelona already 'concerned' about summer transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 5 Oct 2024 19:47 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are growing 'concerned' about Vitor Roque's performances at Real Betis, according to Spanish media.

The youngster has experienced a tumultuous 2024. His move long-awaited dream move to Barcelona was initially slated for the summer, but it was brought forward to the winter window and quickly became a nightmare.

Barely used by Xavi and deemed not ready to play a major role, Roque spent most of the second half of last season on the bench. This prompted a public response from his agent, threatening that the Brazilian would leave Barcelona in the summer should the situation not improve.

READ MORE: Barcelona target FREE €37m forward

The situation did not improve but Xavi was eventually sacked and replaced with Hansi Flick. The German was open to keeping Roque around, but Barcelona's financial situation made it necessary to shift bodies and the 19-year-old was loaned to Real Betis, with the Seville-based club boasting a €25 million purchase option.

Roque worries Betis - and Barca

The striker got off to a promising start, scoring - and kissing the badge - in his second game for the club against Leganes. Since then, however, Roque has not managed to contribute to a goal and Sport claims that coach Manuel Pellegrini is growing restless.

The Brazilian's recent performances have left a lot to be desired. After starting against Legia Warsaw in the Conference League on Thursday, Roque is likely to be benched for the derby against Sevilla on Sunday.

One of the reasons why Roque made the decision to stay in Spain instead of accepting one of the myriad other offers he received was because he was promised regular minutes and a starring role by Betis.

READ MORE: Man Utd's Garnacho asking price revealed

To date, however, he has made just three starts and Barcelona are becoming concerned. Selling Roque would yield vital funds, but Betis will of course refrain from making his move permanent if he is not good enough - in fact, it seems unrealistic either way given that they, too, have financial difficulties.

By the same token, if Roque returns to Barcelona having not played football and developed, he will be of little use to the Blaugrana and his stocks will diminish further. He cost them €40m and has yet to justify that price tag.