Barcelona confirmed the signing of Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense for a fee in the region of €40 million earlier this summer.
The 18-year-old striker, who has been involved in 27 goals in 40 appearances for Athletico-PR in all competitions this season, is considered one of the hottest talents in South America. It’s no wonder Barca fans can’t wait to see their new signing make a difference up front in Blaugrana colors.
However, they will have to wait until the 2024-25 season for Roque. Like Real Madrid starlet Vinicius Junior, Roque is set to spend another 12 months in Brazil to continue his development in familiar conditions before diving into Spanish football.
Having said that, Barcelona fans can catch another Brazilian striker rattling opposition nets in Catalunya very soon.
Brazilian starlet to join Barcelona in a promising deal
According to multiple reports, the La Liga giants are set to sign 2004-born Petterson Novaes from Flamengo in a deal that could see the Catalan giants spend a transfer fee in the region of €3m to secure his services on a permanent basis.
The talented forward hasn’t been able to cement his place into the first team of the Rio de Janeiro-based club so far. Still, his exploits at youth level have attracted interest from a few European clubs, including Barcelona. He has scored 11 goals in 29 appearances for CR Flamengo U20.
As per journalist Gerard Romero, he will travel to Barcelona on Wednesday. Considering Novaes’ lack of experience at senior level, it’s unlikely he’ll get a run in the first team anytime soon, but fans can expect to catch him for Barça Atlètic sooner rather than later.
The club’s hierarchy has done well to bolster their options at youth level this summer, having also invested in Senegalese centre-back Mikayil Faye (19) and German attacking midfielder Noah Darvich (16). As far as Xavi’s team is concerned, João Cancelo is edging closer to becoming their fourth summer arrival.