Barcelona suffer blow in Vitor Roque deal after ‘registration issues’
Barcelona suffer blow in Vitor Roque deal, as they are unable to register the Brazilian striker this summer. The Blaugrana have, however tied up a deal for Roque to move for €35m plus €10m in variables.
The striker has also agreed personal terms with the La Liga champions over a six-year contract until 2029 with a salary not greater than €3 million per year. In addition, he will have a mammoth release clause worth €1 billion.
The Catalan club cannot bring the youngster unless a big player sale occurs for them in this window. The club can register smaller operations, like Arda Guler, if they sign him.
If the club fails to sign the striker this summer, then he will arrive in the January transfer window. Athletico Paranaense would prefer his sale in January and not in the summer.
Barcelona suffer blow in Vitor Roque deal, as they find it difficult to register him
The club need to generate player sales now before signing new ones. One of Ansu Fati or Ferran Torres needs to be sold in order to register the 18-year-old.
However, the attacking duo are not willing to leave to the club, and that makes it harder for Barcelona. Moreover, not many offers have arrived for Fati and Torres.
Will Lewandowski suffer in the first-half of the season?
The main reason for Roque’s early arrival was to be a back-up to Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker suffered from pain last season after the World Cup, and with his growing age, he will need rest throughout the season.
In addition, Roque has been in red-hot form for Athletico down in Brazil, having already netted 12 goals and set up five more from 27 matches in the 2023 campaign.
Resting and rotating Lewandowski is a priority for Xavi and Barcelona in this coming campaign, after the striker struggled to score goals.
