Since the last few weeks, there have been talks ongoing with various potential options for a transfer move of Vitor Roque. After failing to impress Flick in pre-season, the Blaugrana camp has been considering Roque's departure the most sensible option; however, despite Vitor Roque being linked with multiple clubs, no official agreement has been reached.
Considering Barcelona's perspective, the potential deal of the Brazilian forward could bring in a decent amount of funds, which can be utilized to reach the 1:1 rule as soon as possible. Not only for Barca but for Roque, an exit move seems the necessary step to rebuild his dangling career.
Another day, another club's encroachment—Vitor Roque saga nowhere near an end
Reports from Diario SPORT had confirmed that FC Barcelona would sell the player permanently, despite many loan offers, as a failed loan deal might devalue the forward. According to recent reports, Deco had traveled to Lisbon on Friday to complete Vitor Roque's sale, considering interest from the Sporting club. However, negotiations don't seem to have worked out between the two.
In between the whole saga, recent reports from Marca suggest that after Real Sociedad's interest in the 19-year-old Barcelona forward, Real Betis have entered the race as well. According to reports, Betis has emerged as one of the potential suitors for Vitor Roque, but a move currently looks difficult. To proceed for Roque, Real Betis first needs to close a transfer with good surplus value in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
Thus, even after the encroachment of several clubs in the Vitor Roque saga, Everton stands as the strongest option for Vitor Roque's next club. The Toffees club lacks a conventional number 9 and would try significantly to acquire the Brazilian prospect. In fact, even though Everton's £25M + £3M offer was rejected by the Blaugrana club, Barca, being on the lookout to sell Roque, might accept it later.
In the whole scenario, Barcelona's statement is clear: the club doesn't count Vitor Roque as a part of their current setup. His exclusion from the squad list against Valencia made it clear that the player was set to part ways with the club. At Barca, the message has been conveyed that no moves will be made to register the forward, and the club will end up away with him this summer.
Considering the Catalan club's urgency to sell Vitor Roque, with less than two weeks left in the summer window, the club might have to agree to Everton's initial offer. Thus, with time ticking away, FC Barcelona needs to act quickly to find a potential suitor for Roque, as, with time, the club might have to sell him for a lesser fee than expected.