Roque bomb! Romano reveals Barcelona will 'insist' on transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 13 May 2024 16:09 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona will 'insist' on Vitor Roque leaving the club on loan this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Brazilian wonderkid's dream move to Barcelona has become a nightmare in record time. His January arrival was highly anticipated by the fanbase due to Robert Lewandowski's unimpressive form at that time but that enthusiasm was evidently not shared by head coach Xavi.

Lewandowski has found his form and the Spanish coach has barely utilised Roque. Already in March, rumours began abounding that the 19-year-old was unhappy and even considering his future. These suspicions were finally confirmed by his agent on May 6 when he publically announced that Roque would look for a move if things didn't drastically improve.

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An avalanche of enquiries followed in the wake of this bombshell announcement and speculation surrounding the youngster's future has reached fever pitch. The likes of Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been said to have approached the striker regarding a potential summer move.

Barcelona to insist on loan

Some Spanish outlets have now gone so far as to suggest that sporting director Deco has already made up his mind and will look to offload Roque in the summer. Coach Xavi, it is claimed, does not believe that Roque is good enough for Barcelona and the club hierarchy is beginning to agree with him.

However, Fabrizio Romano has urged calm regarding the situation. The transfer expert has revealed that the relationship between Barcelona and Roque's camp remains cordial, though he did acknowledge that the club will push for a transfer - but only a loan move.

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"Vitor Roque? Yes, there is tension, but the relationship between his agent and Barcelona is good," Romano revealed in his Daily Briefing. "A meeting will happen between the player’s agent and Barça. I think Barcelona will insist on a loan."