- Joined in €30m January move
- Scored twice in five months
- Roque won’t accept loan deal
WHAT HAPPENED?
After a mixed start to life in Catalonia, the Spanish club have decided that Roque won’t be at the club next season, according to multiple reports in the Spanish press. Although the club initially suggested that he might leave on loan, Roque’s agent has insisted that his client will refuse a loan deal and only accept a permanent transfer.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Roque transfer talk comes at the end of a turbulent season for Barca’s attacking corps. It had been rumoured that Robert Lewandowski would leave the club – clearing room for Roque. But the Polish striker has denied those claims. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Barca are in talks for Mason Greenwood.
WHAT ANDRE CURY SAID
Andre Cury, Roque’s agent, insisted that his client will seek a permanent move away from Catalonia if he doesn’t have a future at the club.
“If the club does not give space to Vitor, unfortunately, we will have to talk to the club to find a solution,” he said recently. “A loan for a young boy ends up harming him because he goes to another club that does not own him and has no interest in taking care of him. This is very dangerous for the boy’s career.
“The best thing is to stay at Barca, but if he can’t stay we will work to get him to leave permanently. But I and the player chose to come to Barca for less than half the price. offers from other clubs. We are happy at Barca and we want to continue. If it is not possible, we will sit down with the president and with Deco to find a good solution for all parties.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ROQUE?
The Brazilian’s future seems to be up in the air. It appears that just five months after making a high-profile move to Catalonia, Roque could be on his way out. Whether that happens on loan or permanently remains to be seen.