According to a report from AS, Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque has agreed to join FC Barcelona, after the club sorted out a deal with his current club Athletico Paranaense.
Sport reported that the Brazilian prodigy is FC Barcelona’s chosen number ‘9’ going into the 2023/24 season.
The reports claim that incoming sporting director Deco played a crucial part in negotiations for Vitor Roque. This is thanks to his knowledge of the market in his country of birth Brazil, as well as the strong relationship he has with the player’s agent Andre Cury, who was once Barcelona’s representative and talent scout in South America’s largest country.
According to AS, the deal is done “at all levels,” but it won’t be publicized until Barcelona has sold three players or more, which will clear up a lot of room on the pay bill and enable them to meet La Liga’s Financial Fair Play requirements.
FC Barcelona will pay his present club approximately €40 million ($43.2 million) in three installments for Vitor Roque’s five-year contract.
The Spanish giants believe he can eventually take the place of La Liga’s Golden Boot winner Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski’s contract expires in 2026, and he will soon turn 35. Thus, a backup striker of his caliber would be a massive plus to the team.
First team head coach Xavi will have one of his desired signings in a position he feels needs strengthening by securing Vitor Roque.
The manager would also like a defensive pivot to make up for captain Sergio Busquets’ departure as well as an attacking midfielder heading into the upcoming season to defend the La Liga championship.