Barcelona forward informs club that he wants to join LaLiga team amid transfer rumors: Reports
Barcelona forward Vitor Roque has reportedly informed the club that he wants to join their LaLiga opponents Real Betis. The Blaugrana forward wants to stay in Spain with Los Verdiblancos, and could join them on a loan deal as per Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Universal).
Roque signed with the Spanish giants from Athletico Paranaense for a reported €40 million midway during the 2023-24 season, penning a seven-year deal. However, he has failed to impress since then, making just 16 appearances across competitions, scoring only two goals. He is reportedly also not part of new manager Hansi Flick's plans, with Roque's no.19 jersey being handed to another teenage sensation in Lamine Yamal.
However, a solution seems to be in sight for the teenager as Real Betis have expressed a desire bring him on board, with the player also keen to join them. The club's officials have stayed back at Barcelona upon their arrival, hoping to seal the deal. Sporting CP had also expressed interest in the Brazilian, with Sporting Director Hugo Viana also going arriving in Catalunya last evening.
The agreement, however, may not be simple for Los Verderones as Barcelona want €30 million for the single-cap Brazil international. Real Betis would be more comfortable with a loan deal, however, or paying his transfer fee in installments.
How did Barcelona forward Vitor Roque fare at Athletico Paranaense and Cruzeiro?
An academy product of Cruzeiro, Vitor Roque made his senior debut for the club at age 16, and went on to make 16 appearances across competitions, scoring six goals and giving one assist.
In 2022, Athletico Paranaense broke their transfer record and signed the prodigious talent for a reported 24 million Brazilian Real, (€4.4 million) and he signed a five-year contract.
One month after his debut, Roque scored his first goal for the club - the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Cuiaba. He won the 2023 Campeonato Paranaense with the club and also reached the 2022 Copa Libertadores final, a tournament in which he scored and assisted two goals each in seven games.
Overall, he made an aggregate 81 appearances for Furacao, scoring 28 goals and giving 11 assists.