16 appearances, 2 goals and 353 minutes of play. Here is the starving record of Vitor Roque (19 years old) since his arrival at FC Barcelona. Arriving from Athletico Paranaense last January, the Brazilian international (1 selection), announced as the future of Auriverde football, has had a contrasting start to his adventure in the Blaugrana jersey. Left aside under the orders of Xavi, the native of Timóteo could however take advantage of the arrival of Hansi Flick on the Barcelona bench to (finally) express his full potential.
With this in mind, the Catalan press recently claimed that the German coach was counting on the young striker for the coming season, especially at a time when Robert Lewandowski has been announced as leaving. Aware of the club’s limited financial room for maneuver, the former Germany coach would like to make the most of the talent already present in the squad. Good news for the Roque clan, unless… Indeed, if Tigrinho seems determined to win at Barça – he cut short his vacation in this regard to go to the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despíi and complete his preparation – his future still remains uncertain.
Barça forced to loan Roque?
Tracked by Juventus Turin or even Atlético de Madrid, who would like to enlist him as part of an exchange with Joao Félix, the 1m72 right-hander remains dependent on financial fair play. This Saturday, Mundo Deportivo indicates in this respect that despite the Culers’ ambition to keep him, the club’s finances could force the last second in La Liga to consider a loan. As a reminder, Barça must register Gavi and Baldé, players expected to be starters, and who have not yet registered their La Liga contract since their renewal.
If Barça manages to enter the 1:1 rule, the Brazilian’s chances of staying would increase. Otherwise, the Barcelona team would be forced to open the door to a departure. To replace Lewandowski, FCB would then favor internal alternatives. The Spanish media affirms, in this sense, that Ferrán Torres or Marc Guiu remain credible options to succeed the Pole, without excluding opportunities like Pau Víctor, returning from a loan to Girona, or Ayoze Pérez, today under the colors of Real Betis and having a release clause estimated at 4 million euros. One thing is certain, the future of Vitor Roque is still far from being sealed.
