Man Utd flop Antony hands Barcelona an unexpected €25m windfall

Imre Himmelbauer

Updated: 22 Feb 2025 14:43 CST
3 min read

Antony, Man Utd, Real Betis, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

FC Barcelona look set to part ways with Vitor Roque soon, Spanish media reports.

According to Sport, Palmeiras are close to an agreement to bring the 19-year-old striker back to Brazil. The Brazilian is on loan from Barcelona to Real Betis this season, where he is not a regular.

Article continues under the video

The one-time international was a regular at Betis for a few months, but partly due to the arrival of his compatriot Antony from Man Utd, he now has to make do with a role as a substitute.

In the last three league matches, Roque only played 58 minutes. In total, the attacker has played 32 matches, in which he scored 7 times and provided 2 assists.

Roque to make a quick exit?

Sport now reports that Barcelona are nearing an agreement with Palmeiras for the transfer of Roque. The Brazilian transfer window is still open until February 28.

However, Leila Pereira, the president of the Brazilian top club, does not want to finalise the transfer at the last minute and has set a deadline of 48 hours to complete the deal.

The agreement is similar to the deal struck with Real Betis at the start of the season: Palmeiras will pay €25 million and Barcelona will retain 20 percent of the goal-getter's transfer rights. As a result, part of the Brazilian club's future transfer profits will flow directly to the Catalans.

Palmeiras are not interested in a loan deal because they see Roque as a crucial player. The striker, who joined Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense for €30 million plus €30m in bonuses more than a year ago, seems to be open to a return to Brazil.

Barcelona are somewhat reluctant to sanction a permanent exit. The club management still sees a future in the Brazilian.