Rocky on the verge of leaving Barcelona

Anwar Ibrahim (Cairo)

It appears that the young Brazilian Vitor Roque (19 years old) is set to leave Barcelona this summer after failing to prove himself under both former coach Xavi Hernandez and current coach Hansi Flick. Flick has made it clear that he doesn’t want the player on his team and has requested the club’s officials to sell him. Roque arrived in Catalonia just six months ago during the winter transfer window, coming from Atletico Paranaense with high hopes of making his mark at Barcelona. However, he has not received sufficient playing time under either Xavi or Flick, leading to his considerable disappointment, particularly as some considered him a potential competitor for Polish striker Robert Lewandowski in the center-forward position.
Spanish media sources have reported that Roque is in high demand in the transfer market, and Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, was in Portugal last week to negotiate his sale. He offered Roque to both Porto and Sporting Lisbon, while Roque has completely dismissed the idea of playing in the Saudi league.
Barcelona’s management has not registered Roque for La Liga, anticipating his sale this summer.
Further reports suggest that Roque is very close to making a move to Sporting Lisbon, with Barcelona asking for €30 million, including variables and other bonuses, which could help alleviate the severe financial crisis facing “Barca.”
Relevo newspaper reported that Roque has given the green light to proceed with the move to Sporting, and negotiations are ongoing to finalize a contract between the Portuguese and Spanish clubs.
Vitor Roque, born on February 28, 2005, began his professional career at Cruzeiro during the 2021-2022 season before moving to Atletico Paranaense until 2024. He played 60 matches, scoring 21 goals, and then joined Barcelona last winter, where he made 14 appearances for only a few minutes and managed to score just two goals.

Anwar Ibrahim Reports on Vitor Roque’s Exit from Barcelona

Current Situation of Vitor Roque

Vitor Roque, the promising 19-year-old Brazilian striker, is projected to leave FC Barcelona this summer after a lack of convincing performances under both Xavi Hernandez and current head coach Hansi Flick. The German tactician has explicitly stated that he does not see Roque as part of his plans and has urged the club’s management to sell him. This situation has led to widespread speculation surrounding the young talent’s future in the transfer market.

Background on Vitor Roque

Born on February 28, 2005, Vitor Roque began his professional career with Cruzeiro during the 2021-2022 season. His remarkable skills and goal-scoring capabilities caught the attention of bigger clubs:

• Cruzeiro: Started his career, displaying immense potential.
• Atletico Paranaense: Moved there until 2024, where he played 60 matches and scored 21 goals.
• Barcelona: Joined in January 2023, featured in 14 matches but only scored two goals.

The Shift to Barcelona

Vitor Roque made a highly anticipated move to Barcelona in the winter transfer window, filled with aspirations to make a significant impact in one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs. Despite his evident talent, Roque struggled to secure a consistent spot in the lineup, leading to frustration for both the player and the fans.

Reasons for Departure

Roque’s disappointment stems from a variety of factors, including:

• Limited Playing Time: His involvement in matches has been minimal, leading to concerns about his development.
• Coaching Decisions: Both Xavi and Flick preferred experienced players over him for key matches.
• Financial Constraints: Barcelona’s financial situation has compelled the club to evaluate players for possible transfers.

Market Demand for Vitor Roque

Despite his struggles at Barcelona, the Brazilian forward is attracting interest from several clubs in the transfer market. Notably, Deco, the sporting director of Barcelona, traveled to Portugal recently to negotiate potential transfers for Roque:

• Porto: A possible destination as they seek to bolster their attacking options.
• Sporting Lisbon: Currently the front-runner, with ongoing negotiations expected to conclude soon.

Rejection of Saudi League Offers

Understandably, Vitor Roque has made it clear that he has no intentions of joining the lucrative but controversial Saudi league. His preference remains focused on continuing his career in a more competitive European environment, which further narrows down his options to clubs within Europe.

Barcelona’s Financial Crisis

Barcelona’s management faces a significant challenge in navigating through a devastating financial crisis. Selling Vitor Roque is viewed as a potential solution to alleviate some of the financial pressures the club is currently experiencing. The management has not registered Roque for the upcoming La Liga season, clearly indicating that they are preparing for his departure.

Negotiations with Sporting Lisbon

Reports indicate that Vitor Roque is very close to a transfer to Sporting Lisbon. Barcelona is demanding around 30 million euros for Roque, which includes various performance-related bonuses. This move could not only provide Barcelona with crucial financial resources but also offer Roque a fresh start and more playing opportunities.

What This Means for Roque’s Career

A move to Sporting Lisbon could be a pivotal step in Vitor Roque’s budding career. Considerations for his potential transfer include:

• Increased Playing Time: Sporting Lisbon may provide the young striker with consistent game time, crucial for his development.
• Competitive Environment: The Primeira Liga offers a competitive landscape, allowing Roque to hone his skills further.
• European Experience: Competing in European tournaments with Sporting could enhance Roque’s visibility and marketability.

Vitor Roque’s Career Stats Summary

Club	Matches Played	Goals Scored
Cruzeiro	Unknown	Unknown
Atletico Paranaense	60	21
Barcelona	14	2

What Fans Are Saying

The fans’ feedback regarding Vitor Roque’s potential departure has been mixed, with many expressing disappointment over his lack of playing time yet hoping for a bright future that fosters his growth. Below are some sentiments from the fanbase:

• Supportive Fans: “He needs to play to grow! Sporting could be an excellent opportunity for him.”
• Cautious Optimism: “While I hate to see him go, I want him to succeed elsewhere.”
• Skeptical Viewpoints: “Is he ready for a move? Will he perform at Sporting like at Atletico?”

Conclusion

With Vitor Roque on the verge of an important transition in his young career, observers of the football world will be keen to see how this chapter unfolds. His transfer to Sporting Lisbon, if finalized, could mark a significant turning point, allowing him to showcase his talent in a new setting and igniting hopes for a bright future in football.