Barcelona will be left frustrated in their attempts to bring the arrival of Vitor Roque forward to allow the attacker to join now, as Athletico Paranaense are desperate to keep him.
The club have already agreed a deal which will see the striker join in January from the Brazilian club, but the departure of Ousmane Dembele means that they would like to see the teenager join the squad earlier.
However, his club want to stick to the original agreement, as they need the striker to help them qualify for the Copa Libertadores in what is an important year for Athletico Paranaense.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Roque’s club will not let him leave earlier than the original deal which will see him join Barcelona on January 1st, 2024.
“What’s happening is that Athletico Paranaense in a very clear way, are asking Barcelona to let the player stay there at the club until the end of the year, so till December, then the player will be available for Barcelona on the first of January,” he stated.
“Why? Because 2024 is the centenary year for Atletico Paranaense. It’s a crucial year and they want to qualify for the Copa Libertadores, it is crucial for Athletico Paranense, and this is why they want the player to stay, and they are asking Barcelona to not touch the player this summer and to let him stay.”
How good is Vitor Roque?
The 18-year-old has been on fire in Brazilian Serie A and the Copa Libertadores, and has scored 17 whilst providing 8 goals across 37 games in all competitions this season.
A central striker who is also capable of playing on the wings, he could have helped replace Dembele, whilst also adapting to eventually become the successor to Robert Lewandowski.
Whilst Barcelona would have liked him now, the extra few months of development in Brazil, whilst also helping his club, could be beneficial to the player, and the Blaugrana will receive a boost when he eventually arrives in January, bringing deadly speed and incredible technical ability to the front line.