FC Barcelona Reach ‘Agreement In Principle’ For Vitor Roque

FC Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle to sign Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Catalan daily newspaper reports that the two clubs have agreed on a deal worth a fixed €35 million ($38.5 million) plus another €10 million ($11 million) in variables related to targets such as goals scored.

The larger sum will be split into three payments, which will be of great help to Barca during times of economic uncertainty.

Roque, who turned 18 on the last day of February, will pen a five-year contract until June 30, 2028.

As seen in arrangements with other young prodigies such as Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati, the terms will probably have a PSG-proof €1 billion ($1.01 billion) release clause attached to them.

Barca would like striker Roque to join them this summer and already act as backup to Robert Lewandowski. Simultaneously, he may also provide positional rivalry to compatriot Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele on the right wing.

Because of Barca’s problems registering new contracts and trying to balance Financial Fair Play limits, however, the teenager could still complete the rest of the 2023 South American season in Curitiba before crossing the Atlantic in January 2024.

Barca and Athletico Paranaense will exchange official documents related to the operation next week with the deal finalized on Thursday or Friday.

Key in getting it over the line has been sporting director Deco and the man he once replaced as Barca’s eyes in Brazil, Andre Cury – who now represents Vitor Roque.

Also vital was Athletico CEO Alexandre Mattos traveling to Barcelona this weekend and leading negotiations on behalf of the Brazilian club.

According to MD, Mattos plans to return to his homeland on Monday safe in the knowledge that things are well on track for Roque – who also attracted interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea – to be sold to the Catalans.

These developments come after Madrid-based publication AS reported that Roque had agreed terms with Barca a few days ago.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the joint-top scorer in Brazil’s South American U20 Championships win will earn €3 million ($3.3 million) a season at Camp Nou.

Should Vitor Roque fulfil his expected potential, however, that amount is sure to be increased when his contract is extended.