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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Xavi has since been replaced by former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, but it seems that the managerial change may not have a significant bearing on Roque's future.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
1Barcelona44001331012
2Real Madrid42207258
3Atletico MadridAtletico42206248
4Villarreal42209728
5GironaGirona42117437
6AlavesAlaves42115327
7Osasuna421157-27
8Celta Vigo420210916
9Leganes41213305
10Mallorca41212205
11Rayo Vallecano411245-14
12Athletic Bilbao411234-14
13Real Sociedad411234-14
14Espanyol411223-14
15Real ValladolidValladolid4112110-94
16Getafe30301103
17Real BetisBetis302113-22
18Las PalmasLas Palmas402247-32
19Sevilla402236-32
20Valencia401337-41


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