Brazilian forward, Vitor Roque has fallen out of favor at FC Barcelona and looks set to leave the club just six months after joining them from Brazilian side, Athletico Paranaense. The youngster has not convinced Xavi Hernandez and his coaching staff who opt to replace him with a more experienced option in front of goal.
šµš“ Zero minutes again today for Vitor Roque. pic.twitter.com/a8y6xezmV9
ā Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2024
Roque has appeared in just 13 fixtures for Barcelona so far, most of them being off the bench. The 19-year last appearance for theĀ BlaugranaĀ came way back in mid-April against Cadiz. In Barcelona’s last five matches, the fans have not been able to witness the prodigy amidst evergrowing frustration within the club’s fanbase. In his five months with the club so far, Roque has been on the field for just 310 minutes.
The player’s agent expressed his disappointment earlier this month stating, “The best option would be to stay at BarƧa and play. But if BarƧa donāt let him play, we will need to look for another club”.Ā Unfortunately, the situation has not shown signs of improving since and a departure from Barcelona looks the most likely outcome for Vitor Roque.
FC Barcelona’s plan for Vitor Roque during the transfer window
Xavi has announced his decision to continue his managerial career at FC Barcelona beyond the current season. According to reports, Xavi’s decision to stay directly affects Vitor Roque’s time at Barcelona. The coach is supposedly looking at alternate options for Roque who is deemed surplus to his requirements. The five-time European champions have listed the striker on the transfer market amidst several inquiries about Roque’s availability.
FC Barcelona acquired Vitor Roque’s services in the January transfer window for a fee of around $45 million. With his departure imminent, Joan Laporta would prefer to negotiate a permanent deal to recoup the investment made in the youngster. However, according to the Spanish outlet, Cadena SER, the club is willing to let the forward leave on a loan deal as well with a mandatory option to purchase him in the future.
šØšØš| BREAKING: Deco has decided that Vitor Roque will NOT continue with FC Barcelona next season ā he will ask his agents for either a loan or a permanent transfer.
Xavi believes that Roque isn’t reliable & the sports management agrees with him. @La_SER š§š·āļø pic.twitter.com/ZChteVaSFE
ā Managing BarƧa (@ManagingBarca) May 13, 2024
Unsurprisingly, several top clubs around Europe have joined the race to sign Vitor Roque in the summer. Portuguese giants, FC Porto have made Roque one of their top targets and have begun talks to materialize the transfer. Inter Milan, however, is regarded as the favorite to capture Roque’s signature. La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy has reported the Nerazzuri’sĀ interest in getting the young Brazilian for their forward line.
The Serie A champions look to bolster their attack for next season
Inter Milan have enjoyed one of the best domestic seasons in recent Serie A history. Simone Inzaghi and his men securedĀ the ScudettoĀ in late April with five matchdays to go. Inter has assembled a dominant side which has been to accomplish one of the most dominant league title victories in Italy. However, amidst all their strengths, Inter have struggled at various points in their season due to their lack of quality attacking depth.
Inter are eyeing an opportunity in Barcelona. After confirming Xavi for next season, Vitor Roque will leave Barcelona and has been offered to Inzaghi. The 19-year-old Brazilian is a backup plan to Gudmundsson. pic.twitter.com/PByB3AZsJz
ā FedeNerazzurra āļøāļø (@F_Nerazzurra) May 14, 2024
The club’s backup forwards, Marko Arnautovic and Alexis Sanchez have only been able to contribute to five goals throughout the Serie A season. Inter would know that they need to bolster their attacking depth to continue their dominance next season. Vitor Roque is regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in the world and under Inzaghi’s guidance, the club will be confident to witness an improvement in the forward line.
