Despite arriving with high expectations during the winter transfer window, the future of Vitor Roque at Barcelona seems uncertain. The Brazilian has not had much playing time since his arrival in Spain, and the Catalan club is looking to part ways with him while trying to comply with LaLiga’s Financial Fair Play rules.
Therefore, Barça could benefit from a partner that allows them to recoup the investment made in the 19-year-old forward. And that help could come from none other than Neymar’s Al Hilal.
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According to the Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, the Saudi Pro League defending champions have approached Barcelona to sign Roque. The Cules would be willing to negotiate the striker for at least €40 million, which was the amount paid for the forward in January.
The player’s desire, according to Globo Esporte, is to stay in Barcelona and fight for his place in the team. The problem is that he does not even have a guaranteed spot in the squad for the 2024/25 season.
Roque was registered last season to replace Gavi, who had been sidelined due to injury. With the Spaniard recovered and preparing to return to the field, the spot occupied by “Tigrinho” would go back to the La Masía product.
Barcelona face this complicated situation due to the financial problems suffered in recent years, which have reduced their salary cap by almost half from the 2023/24 season to the 2024/25 season.
The club currently has a spending of €492 million on its squad, €222 million above the allowed limit.
Therefore, the intention of the club’s board is to reduce spending on players they do not consider crucial while trying to strengthen the team to compete.
Roque, who played only 16 matches and scored two goals since his arrival at Barcelona, would be one of the players targeted to leave. Although it remains to be seen if he will finally depart, the club already shows little interest in him with small signals, such as taking away the number 19 jersey to give it to Lamine Yamal.
