FC Barcelona have released their next player: Vitor Roque (19) moves to Real Betis on loan after an unsatisfactory six months. There the attacker wants to arrive in Spain
Sporting Lisbon were apparently even prepared to buy him, but Vitor Roque preferred to stay in La Liga. That is why FC Barcelona have now accepted Real Betis’ loan offer. The 19-year-old is initially on loan for one year, but there is an option to extend the loan for a further year. Betis also have an option to buy.
The clubs did not disclose any further information, but Mundo Deportivo reports: After the second season, Sevilla should have the option to sign the striker permanently for €25 million. In this case, FC Barcelona would retain a 20% sell-on fee and have a buy-back option for €27.5 million.
319 La Liga minutes, two goals
With Vitor Roque, the Catalans, who continue to have major problems with player registration, get a professional off the payroll – and a “troublemaker” out of the squad.
Less than four months ago, Andre Cury blurted it out on Catalan radio station RAC1. “We chose Barcelona because he wanted to play for Barcelona,” said Cury, Vitor Roque’s advisor at the time. The message to head coach Xavi was unmistakable: “I’m sure Vitor will be a great player, but if Barcelona won’t let him play, we’ll find another solution for him.”
Xavi’s response was not long in coming. “The original plan was for Vitor Roque to join us in July and not in January,” said the legendary player in a reply to Cury’s statements. Gavi’s injury prompted those responsible to bring forward the signing. The deal didn’t really pay off, with Vitor Roque scoring two goals in just 319 La Liga minutes
Suddenly a “damaging” loan?
Vitor Roque now played no part under Hansi Flick. Barcelona’s one-time Brazilian senior international had not yet been registered for the 2024/25 La Liga season. The base fee of 30 million euros once invested for “Tigrinho” did not appear to be a particularly good investment.
The fact that Vitor Roque (contract until 2031) can now be loaned out within La Liga also raises questions. Advisor Cury said explicitly in May: “A loan can be harmful for such a young player because he will be going to a club that doesn’t own him. So this is a club that doesn’t have the greatest interest in him developing well.”
Apparently, a rethink has taken place after an unsatisfactory six months. It remains to be seen exactly how Manuel Pellegrini plans to integrate his new signing
