Arriving at FC Barcelona last winter, Brazilian striker Vitor Roque finally joined Real Betis on loan, until the end of the 2024/2025 season. Arriving in Europe last winter, Timóteo’s nugget, recruited by FC Barcelona for a check estimated at 40 million euros, has, in fact, never had the chance to establish himself in the Catalan jersey. Barred by competition, the former Athletico Paranaense player finally left Catalonia this summer. Loaned to Real Betis, the person concerned had also made his first minutes during his team’s defeat against Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid, author of a double that evening. After the trauma experienced in Barcelona which he himself described in an interview with the Brazilian media, he had set the objective of relaunching himself: “I thought things were going to be different, both in the way I was treated and how I played, and in the way the managers spoke to me. I’m happy to have the opportunity to play for Betis and wear the national team jersey again.”.
Marked, Vitor Roque ultimately did not leave a lasting memory with Catalan supporters and hopes to make those of Real Betis happy: “The Catalans and the Andalusians have reached an agreement concerning the loan for one season, and another as an option. FC Barcelona and Betis have reached an agreement regarding the loan of Vitor Roque until June 30, 2025, with an additional season as an option. The Andalusian club will cover the player’s salary and reserves a right to purchase“, he wrote in the official press release from the Catalan club published this summer. An announcement which heralded a great opportunity for the former Athletico Paranaense player. After opening his score quickly against Leganes, the Brazilian gradually became silent in front of the cages and his place in the Andalusian starting XI is increasingly uncertain. This is enough to worry FC Barcelona who hoped to see the young Brazilian player explode at Real Betis to replenish the coffers and recover their investment.
A pending sale?
FC Barcelona is starting to be worried about the future of Vitor Roque and his expected final sale to Betis. However, it is the Catalan management who hopes that the striker will acclimatize better in Andalusia and above all that Real Betis will have the patience to continue their bet on the young Brazilian player. Vitor Roque’s latest performances have sparked doubts at Betis and coach Manuel Pellegrini could bench him for the derby against Sevilla FC, which would represent a real blow for the 19-year-old striker. Last summer, Vitor Roque opted for the Betis proposal despite the offers he had on the table from some other European clubs such as Lazio. He was certain to become a centerpiece, to have a starring role in Seville. His debut was far from disastrous with this goal against Leganés and then it was radio silence. His latest performances were considered too weak and the Spanish press was starting to worry.
After doubts, time for reflection. According to information from SPORTthere is already a debate in the Betis offices about the bet of Vitor Roque and Manuel Pellegrini could even propel Cédric Bakambu into the starting lineup, since the Congolese striker has finalized his recovery and his physical problems seem to be that a bad memory now. The Brazilian striker needed a few minutes to get into the rhythm and acclimatise to La Liga and Barca will hope his use will not be reduced for the rest of the season. If Vitor Roque does not play at Betis, the player could lose a lot of value, which would generate a huge problem in an operation that Barça is starting to see as a failure. In Catalonia they are still waiting for the striker to show his best version to continue growing at Betis with the objective of selling him to recover money. If the Andalusian club stopped trusting him, things would become very complicated. The two clubs are in constant contact and, for the moment, the bet remains firm.
