Vitor Roque update as Barcelona striker nears exit: Player preference and offers on the table
Barcelona forward Vitor Roque looks set to leave the club before the end of the transfer window, with the Blaugrana in talks with Sporting CP and Real Betis.
A delegation from Betis, including legend Joaquin and Sporting Director Manu Fajardo, arrived in Barcelona to talk to Barcelona about an agreement. They were then seen in the club's offices the next day, after Joaquin told the cameras “who doesn't like Vitor Roque? He's a good player.
Betis is trying to convince Roque first and then reach an agreement, and with the Brazilian's preference to stay in La Liga, he pointed to Chadi Riad and Emerson Royale as examples of players who made the same change, and then have started their career. Sport say that Roque gave the green light to Betis, as did manager Manuel Pellegrini upon his arrival.
Ace for AS DiaryBetis is now optimistic about a deal, but notes that any agreement with Barcelona is difficult. Los Verdiblancos are not able to offer a transfer to Barcelona, and instead look like a loan with an option or obligation to buy 50% of their rights. That would cost them more than 15 million euros, and they are trying to get Barcelona to agree to the idea.
Barcelona have 100% decided to let Ilkay Gündogan leave for free. @Fabrizio Romano
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 20, 2024
They were more set on an agreement with Sporting CP, which offered €20 million plus up to €12 million in variables, which clearly gives them immediate income to address their salary cap struggles. However, 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 is parallel negotiations. Betis are still working on a deal for Borussia Dortmund's Youssoufa Moukoko, although that certainly seems to be stalling. Roque is also not Sporting's first choice, who are trying to land forward Fotis Ioannidis of Panathinaikos.
It seems that the matter will be resolved in the coming days, as Barcelona tries to clear the space in their salary limit. Sporting Director Deco and president Joan Laporta have already drawn the ire of Culers for trying to pass on the Brazilian without giving him the chance, and then spending a large sum on the 19-year-old. It seems they are willing to accept that it's just about getting their money back on Roque now.
