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Vitor Roque: The Brazilian striker has signed a contract through 2030/31 and will join the team in 2024/25.
Barcelona has announced the signing of striker Vitor Roque from Athletico-PR for a sum of roughly €40 million ($44 million).
Last week, ESPN claimed that Barcelona had reached an agreement with the Brazilian club. Roque has signed a contract with the Catalan club until the conclusion of the 2030/31 season. But it is unclear when he will join his new colleagues.
Roque has a €500 million release clause in his contract.
Due to the club’s financial constraints this summer, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that the forward will join either in January or next summer, remaining at Athletico until then.
However, with the transfer market open until September 1 and Barcelona still looking to trade players in order to invest elsewhere in the team, it has not been ruled out that the deal might be moved up if feasible.
Roque becomes Barcelona’s third acquisition of the summer, after the additions of free agents Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez from Manchester City and Athletic Club, respectively.
With Robert Lewandowski turning 35 in August, Barcelona prioritized finding a backup and potential succession to the Poland striker this summer.
Vitor Roque join FC Barcelona from Club Athletico Paranaense
Roque had emerged as their main target, and discussions proceeded shortly after, overseen by sports director Deco.
After impressing for Athletico and Brazil’s youth teams, he piqued Barca’s interest.
Last season, he helped his team reach the Copa Libertadores final. He recently got his first senior cap for his country.
In 65 appearances for Athletico, the youngster has scored 22 goals, including six in his past six.
“Goals,” Laporta said on Tuesday when asked what Barca may anticipate from Roque.
“He has his own distinct style.” He cannot be compared to [former Brazil forwards] Ronaldo or Romario. He is a lethal player with both feet inside the box.
“He’s not like anyone else we’ve had here before. If you were to compare him to anyone, it would be Ronaldo, who was a force to be reckoned with while he was with us. [Roque] possesses enormous potential; he is young, powerful, and Brazilian.”
