Barcelona star set for Sporting Lisbon move

Sporting Lisbon are in advanced talks to sign Vitor Roque from Barcelona. The Brazilian star has not been registered by the Catalan side in their LaLiga squad this season.

As per a report by Fabrizio Romano, Roque has no future at Barcelona, and they did not even consider adding him to the LaLiga squad this season. The 19-year-old is not a part of Hansi Flick’s plans at the club and they have decided to sell the Brazilian this summer.

Everton and FC Porto were also reported to be interested in signing the Brazilian teenager this summer. However, the Premier League side had their bid rejected, while the Portuguese side did not launch an offer. Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal were also linked with the teenager.

ALSO READ: Vitor Roque Rejects Saudi Pro League’s Second Offer, Barcelona’s Future Uncertain

The striker joined Athletico Paranaense in January for a reported €30 million fee, which was set to rise to €61 million with add-ons. However, things did not work out for the youngster, and he did not get enough minutes under Xavi.

His agent, Andre Cury, was not happy with the lack of communication between the player and the manager. He took shots at the Spaniard and stated on RAC1:

“Everyone thinks that Vitor Roque has to get more minutes, and nobody understands why the coach doesn’t give them to him. Xavi has never spoken to the player. I don’t understand this situation and I don’t think it’s good for either side. I’ve told the boy that what he has to do is work even harder and wait for the opportunity, but I’ve also watched [when there have been] games to give him minutes and prominence and thus avoid this unpleasant situation.”

“I’ve already talked to [Sporting Director] Deco. The boy has a contract with Barca and we chose Barca instead of other options where we could earn twice as much money. I’m sure that Vitor Roque will be a great player, but if Barca don’t let him [play], the club or the coach, I don’t know what’s going on internally, we’ll look for another way. We don’t want a loan. If the club decides he can’t stay, he’ll be sold.”

“There are many teams interested in Vitor Roque. If the club doesn’t give Vitor space, we’ll have to look at a solution. Either he stays or he leaves in a transfer, not a loan. If he goes to another team that doesn’t own him, it’s very dangerous for the boy’s career. The best thing would be to stay at Barca, but if he can’t stay we will work for a transfer.”