Barcelona forward Vitor Roque looks set to depart the club before the end of the transfer window, and the Blaugrana are holding talks with Sporting CP and Real Betis.
A delegation from Betis, including legend Joaquin and Sporting Director Manu Fajardo arrived in Barcelona to speak with Barcelona about a deal. They were then seen at the club offices the following day, after Joaquin had said to the cameras ‘who doesn’t like Vitor Roque? He’s a good player.’
Betis are trying to convince Roque first and then thrash out a deal, and with the Brazilian’s preference to remain in La Liga, have pointed to Chadi Riad and Emerson Royale as examples of players who have made the same switch, and then kickstarted their careers. Sport say that Roque has given the green light to Betis, as has manager Manuel Pellegrini to his arrival.
As per Diario AS, Betis are now optimistic on a deal, but they note that any agreement with Barcelona is difficult. Los Verdiblancos are not able to offer a transfer to Barcelona, and are instead looking like a loan with an option or obligation to buy 50% of his rights. That would cost them in excess of €15m, and they are trying to make Barcelona come round to the idea.
Barcelona have 100% decided to let Ilkay Gündogan leave for free. @FabrizioRomano
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 20, 2024
They had been more set on a deal with Sporting CP, who were offering €20m plus up to €12m in variables, which clearly gives them some immediate income in order to affront their salary limit struggles. Yet when their Sporting Director Hugo Viana traveled to Barcelona for talks, he did not meet with Roque due to the Brazilian’s agreement with Betis.
Another variable to factor into the equation are the parallel negotiations. Betis are still working on a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, although it certainly appears to be stalling. Roque is not Sporting’s first choice either, as they attempt to bring in Panathinaikos forward Fotis Ioannidis.
It looks as if the matter will be settled in the coming days, as Barcelona try to clear space in their salary limit. Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta have already attracted the ire of Culers for trying to move on the Brazilian without giving him a chance, and after spending a large sum on the 19-year-old. It appears they are willing to accept it is purely about getting their money back on Roque now.
