FC Barcelona have already signed Vitor Roque this summer transfer window and have also officially announced this signing. However, there is still uncertainty on when the player will actually arrive in Barcelona and be available for Xavi.
The Catalan club has lost a significant part of their attack with the departure of Ousmane Dembele, and there were discussions at the club regarding whether the funds obtained from Dembele’s sale should be used to bring Vitor Roque this summer.
Athletico Paranaense rule out Roque’s departure this summer
However, the option for Roque to come to Barcelona this season has been ruled out by his current club, Athletico Paranaense. The Sports director of the Brazilian club, Alexandre Mattos, cleared this matter up in a conversation with Mundo Deportivo.
“Vitor is staying here. There’s no possibility of him leaving now. He was sold under these conditions. He’ll stay at least until December. There’s no possibility. Barcelona, André Cury, and Vitor are already aware of this. He’s going to stay, and starting from January, he will be available for Barcelona.”
He further added that: “We don’t want money, we need Vitor Roque here to participate in the 2024 Copa Libertadores, which is Paranaense’s centenary year.”
Barcelona to get Roque only in 2024
Thus, Vitor Roque will not be wearing the blue and garnet jersey this year. The earliest he can come to Barcelona will be in January 2024, while there is also a possibility of him coming as late as the summer transfer window next year.
Even if the player comes in winter, there would be no problem in registering him because of financial problems, as there is now enough space in the wage bill to incorporate the Brazilian. The club has already paid €30 million for the attacker, who will have a six-year contract with Barcelona with a €500 million release clause.
