Vitor Roque’s loan to Real Betis is proving to be beneficial for the Brazilian forward. The Barcelona starlet has gained the playing time he needed to adapt to European football, and his performances are starting to attract attention from the transfer market.
As reported over the past few days, the 19-year-old striker has attracted interest from Palmeiras in his homeland of Brazil, while Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur have also asked about him.
Barcelona’s plans with Vitor Roque
Even though he is at Real Betis currently, Vitor Roque is still a Barcelona player and the club’s plan for his future is clear.
Indeed, as per SPORT, it is unlikely that Roque will return to the Catalan club, so the intention is to sell him to a third club, ensuring that both Barcelona and Betis benefit.
The solution to this situation could be found this summer, rather than in January.
Barcelona signed Vitor Roque in December 2024 for a fee of €30 million plus an additional €30 million in variables, which are unlikely to be met as he has not played for the Blaugrana.
No Barça return on the cards for Roque. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
After around six months of struggles under Xavi Hernandez, the sporting management and new coach Hansi Flick decided to send him on loan to gain experience, and currently, he is not considered a player for the future.
While a two-year loan deal with Betis was agreed upon in the summer, the Catalans were very much open to selling him permanently to Sporting CP.
While Barça could potentially bring him back next summer or the year after that, by paying a compensation fee, both the club and the player’s camp are clear that a return will not happen.
Despite Barcelona seeking a second striker for the upcoming project, the plan is to definitively part ways with Roque, recovering the investment and, if possible, generating a profit.
As mentioned earlier, in recent days, Tottenham and Palmeiras have shown interest, although his future could lie in Italy, where two clubs are closely monitoring him.
Real Betis have an option to buy Roque for €25 million for 80% of his rights, with additional variables, but it is unlikely that they can afford this transfer.
As such, they would also be seeking a third club to facilitate a deal, as was done with Chadi Riad last summer. If Roque continues his progress, it is very likely that such a deal will be struck this summer.
At Barcelona, there is an understanding that this has not been a poor investment. For now, the best outcome is that Roque continues to play regularly and returns to the Brazilian national team.
There is confidence that the transfer fee can be recouped as long as no significant physical setbacks occur.