Rising above the competition to acquire Vitor Roque’s signature, FC Barcelona managed to repel a number of admirers gunning for the Brazilian. With an official announcement finally adding the nail in the coffin, Barcelona showcase their innate pull yet again.
With a €30 million fixed price and a further €31 million in variables, including €5 million in Ballon d’Or clauses, Roque was declared a Cule following much anticipation. Securing prolonged continuity, a whopping €500 million release clause was also attached to the striker.
However, obtaining Tigrinho was by no means a walk in the park. Andre Cury, the player’s agent, has provided a glimpse to Charla Podcast of what went on behind the scenes. Emphasizing Roque’s reverberating talent, he claimed that a number of clubs attempted to make last-minute attempts to lure the player away from Barcelona.
“I can confirm that English clubs tried to hijack Roque’s deal,” said Curry. In light of Barcelona’s financial situation causing a delay in the deal, this quote does not come across as a bolt from the blue.
As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, revealing the clubs in question, he claimed, “Tottenham and Manchester United sent important bids, way better than Barça; close to €100m”.
However, the player’s desire to only end up in Catalonia played a huge role in acquiring the teenage sensation. “Vitor only wanted Barça, there was no chance to change his mind,” Curry shared.
Barcelona have been labeled by many as the pinnacle of success in South America. Roque’s inclination to turn down far more lucrative offers from elsewhere is a testament to the club’s pull.
Even though the player will temporarily seek a rustic retreat in Athletico Paranaense, Barcelona do not run the risk of losing him anymore as he has signed a contract tying him down to the 2030/31 season.
