Barcelona reach an agreement for Athletico-PR star Vitor Roque

It was learned that Barcelona and Athletico-PR reached an agreement for the transfer of Vitor Roque, 18, for approximately 40 million euros (43.6 million dollars), but it is not clear when the Brazilian footballer will join the club. .

ESPN revealed in June that Barca hope to sign Roque as they search for a replacement and heir to veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who turns 35 in August. Roque, 18, met all the requirements and, after talks led by the new sports director Deco, Barça closed the deal with the Brazilian footballer.

However, due to the club’s financial problems, it is not clear when Roque will be able to join his new team. Barça is currently above the spending limit set by LaLiga, and can only spend 50 percent of the income it saves or earns on signing new players.

THREE DIFFERENT SCENARIOS IN THE TRANSFER OF ROQUE

So they are working on three different scenarios, with Roque arriving in January, next summer or in the current transfer window.

As a free agent, they need to sign Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City and defender Iñigo Martínez from Athletic Bilbao.

CROWD ON THE LINE OF ATTACK

Therefore, any further involvement will mainly depend on player departures and Barca want to lighten their load on the offensive line before bringing in Roque, who can play on the wing when needed, but is primarily a #9.

Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are fighting for the two remaining positions up front since coach Xavi Hernández switched four midfielders.

MAIN OBJECTIVE MID FIELD

Despite signing Roque, Barça’s main objective after signing Gundogan and Martínez is to find a midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets, who will join Inter Miami CF.

Girona’s Oriol Romeu is currently seen as the priority target while talks are underway to sign Real Valladolid right-back Iván Fresneda.

Therefore, signing a contract with Roque in the current transfer market is complicated, January seems more likely, but the transfer market is open until September 1, according to sources.

Roque caught the attention of Barça after passing through Atlético and the lower categories of Brazil. He led his club to the Copa Libertadores final last season and made his first cap for his country in recent months.

The young footballer has scored 22 goals in 65 appearances for Athletico, scoring six goals in his last five games.