MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 11:21:28| >> :60:487:487:

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Xavi has since been replaced by former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, but it seems that the managerial change may not have a significant bearing on Roque's future.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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Spain's Dani Olmo celebrates scoring with Nico Williams and Mikel Merino on June 30, 2024
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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