The spotlight at FC Barcelona's early 2024 training sessions has firmly rested on Vitor Roque. The young forward, acquired last summer from Athletico Paranaense for a fixed fee of €30 million and an additional €31 million in variables, stands as Deco and the club's sporting management's significant investment and the future 'number 9' for the team.
The team's recent scoring woes, coupled with Gavi's injury, which created room in the wage structure to register him, expedited the operation to bring Roque to Barcelona this transfer window. Initially, the club had contemplated waiting until summer for his first-team arrival.
However, according to insights shared by Jijantes FC (h/t Sport), Barcelona is encountering hurdles in registering the forward. While the club indicated that Gavi's injury exception would suffice to enroll the Brazilian, La Liga sources suggest that Gavi's salary doesn't cover the amortization of Roque's transfer.
ACLARACION INSCRIPCION VITOR ROQUE:
— Jijantes FC (@JijantesFC) January 2, 2024
Se trata de una inscripción como *traspaso* (no cesión) aplicando el *art 77 de lesiones de larga duración* (la normativa permite usar el 80% del coste del jugador lesionado, Gavi en este caso), incluyendo una adenda al contrato que vaya de… pic.twitter.com/NvJR6P61AL
Presently, as per Gerard Romero's update, discussions persist between La Liga and Barcelona to register Vitor Roque before the Las Palmas match. If Barça Vision's entry remains blocked due to Libero's non-payment, the option under consideration involves Roque playing on loan for six months, awaiting a revised scenario in the summer.
The coaching staff remains fully confident that the club will overcome this new administrative hurdle, ensuring the player's availability for the UD Las Palmas match and a potential debut at Xavi's discretion.
Initially scheduled for January 3rd, Barcelona's plans to introduce the Brazilian to the public have shifted. Joan Laporta's absence, currently exploring new business opportunities in Dubai to tackle the club's economic challenges, prompted the protocol team to delay Roque's welcome until Laporta's return.
As it stands, barring any last-minute changes, the presentation is now anticipated to occur next week, following the Copa del Rey match against Barbastro on January 7th. Should the registration issues find resolution, this could pave the way for Roque's debut before his official introduction to the press.