The media debate was relevant as Roque’s current team, Athlético Paranaense, unexpectedly got eliminated in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 by Bolívar, a team associated with the City Group. Therefore, there were no more sporting obstacles for the young prodigy, known as ‘Tigrinho,’ to expedite the already arranged transfer.

Behind closed doors, however, the reality was the opposite of what the Catalan coach stated publicly. Barcelona discreetly began efforts to bring the 18-year-old striker, who has been a sensation in South American football, before the summer transfer window closed with a last-minute move.

The key issue, as with all the club’s ongoing operations, has been to fit the Brazilian forward’s transfer within Financial Fair Play regulations. The deal is valued at 30 million euros plus variables, to be amortized over seven seasons, along with a salary of 3.5 million euros gross for the first year.

Vitor Roque’s agent, André Cury, from Brazil, made himself available to facilitate negotiations with Ath. Paranaense, who demanded financial compensation for parting ways with their top goal scorer (19 goals, including 10 in the Brasileirao, and 8 assists in 40 matches played in 2023).

Xavi, on his part, has always expressed enthusiasm about being able to count on the young striker, placing high hopes and full confidence in his performance while wearing the Blaugrana jersey.

Barcelona had held on to the possibility of signing Vitor Roque until a few days ago. The club had hoped to finalize his transfer alongside the arrival of Portuguese duo Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, who are expected to join from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, respectively.