FC Barcelona Reach Agreement To Sign Vitor Roque: Reports

Brazilian teen sensation Vitor Roque has agreed to join FC Barcelona, who have already arranged to buy him from Athletico Paranaense according to AS.

SPORT reported at the weekend how the 18-year-old is Barca’s chosen number ‘9’ heading into the 2023/2024 season.

Both Spanish newspapers explain that incoming sporting director Deco has played a pivotal role in sealing the deal. This is thanks to his knowledge of the market in his country of birth Brazil, plus the strong relationship he boasts with the player’s agent Andre Cury who was once Barca’s representative and procurer of talent in South America’s largest country.

The transfer is sealed “at all levels” according to AS, yet it cannot be announced until Barca have made at least three player sales which will release ample space on the wage bill and help them meet Financial Fair Play limits.

Vitor Roque will sign for five seasons, and Barca are set to pay his current club around €40 million ($43.2 million) in three installments.

This is some €5 million ($5.4 million) shy of what Real Madrid handed over for Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in two separate deals, and could prove a bargain if the South American U-20 Championship winner fulfils his potential.

Vitor Roque is expected to be a natural replacement for Robert Lewandowski but can also play on the wings to give the likes of Ousmane Dembele and compatriot Raphinha positional rivalry.

By landing Vitor Roque, first team head coach Xavi will have one of his desired signings in a position he believes needs reinforcing.

Heading into next season to defend the La Liga title, the manager would also like a defensive pivot to compensate for captain Sergio Busquets’ departure and an attacking midfielder.

Destined to lose out by Vitor Roque’s arrival is Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, who will no longer be needed as seen before when leaving Barca for Chelsea last summer.

The Gabon international was a roaring success when joining the Catalans from Arsenal at the turn of 2022 but then became surplus to requirements upon Lewandowski being signed from Bayern Munich for €50 million ($54 million).