FC Barcelona has started their 2024/25 campaign with an enthralling victory against one of the best European clubs, Man City. Overall, it looked to be an ideal start for Hansi Flick's era, with youngsters stepping on the opportunity, handling the pressure, and emerging victorious in the final moments.
From Pablo Torre, Marc Casado, and Pau Victor to Ander Astralaga, everyone showed their utility to the lineup as a whole. However, one star forward couldn't do much that was expected from him. Seen struggling for game time last season, Vitor Roque had expressed his desire to succeed at FC Barcelona.
Barca decides to layoff Vitor Roque after his poor preseason start
Not only was he showing signs of improvement, but in the absence of main players, the game against Manchester City posed to be his best shot at entering the Barcelona lineup. However, starting the game on the left wing, Vitor Roque had one of the worst football nights, as the forward looked lost and confused.
Even though Flick started him in his unconventional role, losing the most duels and being unable to show control in his play doesn't help his case either. On the other hand, Pau Victor, who was given the number 9 role, had one of the most memorable games of his life, as he scored the go-ahead goal for Barca in the friendly fixture.
Thus, Barca, who was in a hurry to lay off the Brazilian forward, has finally decided to take the necessary step. According to reports, FC Barcelona wants to put Vitor Roque on the market and has valued him at €40M. Having found their potential superstar forward in Pau Victor, the club doesn't consider Roque in their plans.
According to recent updates, Lazio has entered the scene for Vitor Roque and is now opening up as another possibility apart from Saudi interest. Not to forget, Al Hilal has had interest in the Brazilian forward, and they could have paid up to €50M, but Roque's camp turned down the proposal.
With now significant interest from Lazio, it seems that Barca would be willing to leave the forward for anything above €40M, helping the club's financial situation. Thus, Barca hopes to close in the Vitor Roque saga and enjoy the rise of their new sensational forward, Pau Victor, who could become Lewandowski's successor at Barca.