- 18 hours ago
Vitor Roque to Real Betis confirmed as Barcelona throw TWO shocks into loan agreement
Barcelona have confirmed that Vitor Roque has been sent on loan to Real Betis for the season.
The Brazil international, 19, had only been scheduled to join Barca at the beginning of the summer, but amid Robert Lewandowski’s dry spell in front of goal around the festive period, the Catalan side spent €40 million to bring the move forward.
It is a decision that has been catastrophic for the teenager, who has been frustrated with the limited game time that he has received. Indeed, his entourage have been public about the youngster’s annoyance at a situation that has seen him only play for 353 minutes over 16 games, during which he has two goals to his name.
READ MORE: Barcelona done deal! Romano announces shock transfer
Amid Barcelona’s financial problems, which saw Dani Olmo again miss out on being registered for the squad at the weekend to face Athletic Club, Roque has been moved away on loan.
Barca were keen for him to remain in LaLiga, and he will join Real Betis until the end of the season at least.
The Catalans, however, have put two curveballs in the agreement, which suggest they do not see him as the long-term prospect they had envisaged just six months ago.
READ MORE: Barcelona’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time
“Agreement reached between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie for the loan of the player Vitor Roque until 30 June 2025, with the option of another year. The Andalusian side will both register the player and have the right to purchase,” the Barcelona statement reads.
So Real Betis have the potential of signing Roque at the end of the season, and even if they are only partially convinced by him at that point, could retain him for another year.
Lenglet to Atletico Madrid is official
Barcelona have also completed a loan for centre-back Clement Lenglet, who has joined Atletico Madrid on loan for a single season.
The capital stated: “Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the loan of Clement Lenglet, who will play for the club until the end of this season.”
With these moves, Barca should now have the capacity to register Dani Olmo ahead of their fixture against Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday.