“It wasn't in the plan that Vitor Roque would come in January” – Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez
Manager of Barcelona Xavi Hernandez told the media that Victor Roque he's still growing as a player, and he doesn't understand the debate about his lack of playing time. The 19-year-old Brazilian is out of contract in the summer.
Before Barcelona's clash with Almeria, Xavi was asked to explain why the club, given the financial situation, spent €30 million on a player who barely plays.
“That's how we planned it. We didn't expect him to come so soon, we planned it for the summer, so he could continue to learn as a player. Then we decided it was for the best for the club and for him, we had the opportunity to bring him because of the injuries of Gavi and Balde, to be able to train, get to know the club and his teammates, and then compete with his teammates.”
“The debate, for me, I do not understand. He will learn. There are footballers in front of him, who are in better conditions, and that is why he plays less. These things have happened all my life.”
Roque's future is up in the air, with Xavi feeling he would be better served by a loan, but agent Andre Cury telling the press that if the Brazilian leaves, it will be on a permanent deal. The Sports Director Deco and Cury will discuss the matter in the coming weeks.
Another attacker with an uncertain future is Joao Felix, whose loan from Atletico Madrid is about to expire, and he has just started at the turn of the year.
“He helped us a lot, but he has competition. There is Raphinha, Fermin, Lamine, Ferran, Vitor… João has been important for us and should be until the end of the season.
Xavi: “Marc Casadó is a footballer that I personally like, he has character, he competes. The idea is that he continues and does at least the pre-season with us.”
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 15, 2024
Félix is unlikely to return to Atletico if he has an alternative, and Barcelona and the player have stated their desire to continue together next season. The 24-year-old is not thought to be a priority for the Blaugrana this summer, and with finances tight, it looks like his future will be unclear until the end of the transfer window.
