MX23RW : Thursday, January 30 22:25:36| >> :120:4530:4530:

Vitor Roque future: Saudi Arabian club 'approach' Barcelona over deal for striker

Is Vitor Roque heading towards Barcelona exit?
© Imago
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal reportedly make an approach to sign Brazilian striker Vitor Roque from La Liga giants Barcelona.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have reportedly made an approach to sign Barcelona forward Vitor Roque.

The Brazilian spent time with America Mineiro and Cruzeiro, before completing a move to Athletico Paranaense in April 2022.

Roque went on to register 28 goals and 11 assists in 81 matches for Athletico Paranaense, earning him a move to Barcelona in the January transfer window.

The Catalan giants agreed to pay an initial €30m (£25.3m) fee for the striker plus a further €31m (£26.2m) in add-ons.

Unfortunately for Roque, he struggled to force his way into Xavi's plans in the second half of the season, starting just two of his 14 La Liga appearances.

Barcelona new signing Vitor Roque poses during the presentation on January 5, 2024© Reuters

Al-Hilal make approach over Roque move

Xavi has since been replaced by former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, but it seems that the managerial change may not have a significant bearing on Roque's future.

Barcelona are believed to be willing to offload the youngster despite the fact that he has a contract with the club until the summer of 2031.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have made an approach to Barcelona over a potential transfer for Roque.

The 19-year-old forward must decide with his representatives whether he wants to consider a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Such a transfer would give Roque the chance to play alongside Brazil icon Neymar, who left Paris Saint-Germain for Al-Hilal last summer.

Barcelona attacker Vitor Roque celebrates scoring against Osasuna on January 31, 2024© Reuters

How would Roque's departure affect Barcelona's transfer business?

If Roque were to leave this summer, his departure would help improve Barcelona's Financial Fair Play situation, which could enable them to strengthen their squad ahead of Flick's first season in charge.

The Catalan club are hoping to sign Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, who has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Blaugrana.

They have also been linked with two of Williams's Spain teammates, RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo and Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.

However, Roque's potential exit would leave Barcelona light on alternatives to experienced striker Robert Lewandowski, especially as they have already sold Marc Guiu to Chelsea this summer.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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Spain's Dani Olmo celebrates scoring with Nico Williams and Mikel Merino on June 30, 2024
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5Villarreal219753932734
6Mallorca219391926-730
7Rayo Vallecano217862524129
8GironaGirona218492929028
9Real Sociedad218491717028
10Real BetisBetis217772326-328
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13Celta Vigo2174103033-325
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16Leganes215881929-1023
17AlavesAlaves2156102533-821
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19Valencia2137112036-1616
20Real ValladolidValladolid2143141442-2815


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