Barcelona have waited for a certain Brazilian to arrive since they signed him last summer. A talented prodigy, undoubtedly, who comes with a glistening record. Alas, Barcelona have finally welcomed 18-year-old Vitor Roque, and hope to see him in action soon enough.
The striker, formerly from Athletico Paranaense, comes with a hefty price tag. Close to €30 million in fixed amounts, with an additional figure close to €30 million in variables, was the cost to make him a Blaugrana. However, he is now here, and has already been given an identity.
As highlighted by SPORT, the player has received both his official shirt number and the promise of Barcelona. He will don the number ‘19’ for the rest of the season. Moreover, Barça remain assured that he will be registered without any problems soon enough.
While earlier reports have claimed that his registration could cause complications, the latest update is that sources close to Barcelona state otherwise. In fact, they believe that he will be registered in time for the upcoming clash against UD Las Palmas. Using article 77, one that complies with the salary space opened up due to Gavi’s injury, the Catalans hope to have him registered in time.
When it comes to his number, however, he follows in the footsteps of some great players before him. The ‘19’ was formerly worn by Franck Kessie, Ferran Torres, Sergio Aguero and even a young Lionel Messi at one point. Roque takes on a great challenge ahead of him, not just with the number on his back, but also with the badge on his chest.
SPORT reports that as per Barça’s plan, the Brazilian striker will be included in the upcoming squad list. The game against Las Palmas should give Xavi a chance to test out his new striker in action. Even with a few minutes, at least Roque may be able to get a taste of La Liga’s football.
Yet to play a singular minute of European football, the 18-year-old striker remains untested in the Old Continent. However, his talent is undoubted and fully trusted from within Barcelona. All he needs to do now is deliver with the quality that he knows he has.
