FC Barcelona are not expected to have a very busy winter transfer window and will definitely have a significantly lower amount of work to do than they had to do in the last summer transfer window.
Seemingly, the only major operation that Barcelona can undertake in the winter window is that for the arrival of Vitor Roque to the club. As already reported here, Barcelona have to make a decision about Roque’s arrival in the coming days, and this decision will determine their activity in the winter window.
Xavi and Deco pushing for Roque’s arrival in January
For now, SPORT reports that both Xavi and Deco are pushing the club to ensure the Brazilian joins the Catalans’ squad in January. They want the squad to have another attacking weapon in its arsenal, especially in the final and decisive phase of the season, when they will hopefully be competing for multiple trophies.
The Catalans have already signed the Brazilian, but his actual arrival at Barcelona will depend on the needs of the team and their salary bill. At this point in time, Barcelona’s finances do not allow for Roque’s arrival, and it is uncertain whether La Liga will register him by January, but the club is moderately optimistic in this regard.
Barcelona are hoping that the small regulatory changes in La Liga’s economic rules and some extra income in the coming months can pave the way for Roque’s incorporation into the squad.
Roque’s plans for two different scenarios
The Catalans have already ensured the Brazilian’s entourage that they will make a decision by the 15th of November. In fact, Roque’s agent will travel to Barcelona to prepare for his move if he senses that the club will try to bring him to Europe in winter. A green light from Roque and his family is also being sought.
Vitor Roque’s season with Athletico Paranaense will end in the first week of December, and the striker will take only one week of vacation if his move to Barcelona is finalized. This will allow him to train from mid-December and make his official debut in January if Xavi wants him to.
In case his move to Barcelona is not finalized in January, Roque will take an extended vacation and will not travel to Catalonia even for a presentation. He will also not join another European club for the time till June and will continue with Athletico Paranaense.
