Barcelona demand more than €40 million for out-of-favour forward as interest grows

Vitor Roque finds himself in a difficult position seven months after making the move to FC Barcelona.

The 19-year-old striker was signed by the Catalans last summer itself in a deal worth €30 million plus €31 million in add-ons and arrived at the club in January from Athletico Paranaense amid much fanfare.

However, it soon became clear that the Brazilian forward did not feature in Xavi’s plans and hardly played any minutes. Heading into the new season, not much has changed for Roque despite Hansi Flick taking over the reins.

With Barcelona having to register him from scratch and the club not having enough salary space, a departure is becoming likely and there is no shortage of interest.

Barcelona seek €40 million plus for Roque

Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal were interested in signing Vitor Roque and could be prepared to offer around €30 million for him.

Now, SPORT has come forth with an update, stating that Barcelona would be open to selling him for a fee in excess of the €40 million mark.

Al Hilal were initially in talks with Barcelona for Raphinha, but with the 27-year-old winger flat-out refusing to leave, they have moved their interest to his compatriot Roque.

The Saudi Arabian side were seeking a loan deal initially but Barça do not want to let him out temporarily as he could lose his market value and only want a permanent departure, that too for a fee of over €40 million.

Could be a boost with FFP

If Barcelona are able to let go of Roque, it could be a great help for them on the Fair Play front as they will not have to register him with La Liga, meaning more salary space for new signings.

Moreover, there is a possibility that they can receive a hefty fee for the 19-year-old given that Al Hilal have the ability to reach even €50 million or so for him, which would be a significant boost for the club at a time when they need revenue through sales.

The decision, though, firmly rests with the player who has shown no indication of wanting to leave. But if he does opt to move, his agent, Andre Cury, has always insisted that it would be on a permanent transfer.

For now, Roque will likely travel to the US for the pre-season tour but will do with the option of Al Hilal on the table.